Stay alert for 'smishing' scams pretending to be from USPS targeting online shoppers. Do not click on suspicious links to avoid falling victim. Why have I never heard of this before?

I think I remember getting this notice from the United States Postal Service around the holidays, but now since it's Easter, I guess Grandparents and family members send packages through the mail.

If you're a frequent online shopper (and let's be honest, who isn't in 2024) the Federal Trade Commission and United States Postal Inspection Service want you to be aware of a recent scams that reached New Jersey cell phones and emails.

If you never signed up for a USPS tracking request for a specific package and it says "click here" and NEVER click the link. Do Not Click the Link and this type of text message is a scam called smishing.

According to uspis.gov, Smishing is a form of phishing that comes to your text message, a weird phone number, or email. "These scammers often attempt to disguise themselves as a government agency, bank, or other company to lend legitimacy to their claims. USPS utilizes the 5-digit short codes to send and receive SMS to and from mobile phones."

There is a free tool to track packages through the Postal Service. You are required to register on line or initiate a text message and provide a tracking number.

USPS will not send customers text messages or emails without customers first requesting a tracking number.. And the USPS's text or email will NOT contain a link.

Bottom line if you don't first initiate a tracking number the USPS will not send you anything first.

Make sure to copy the text message or email the message to spam@uspis.gov. Provide your name in the email and the phone number of the sender and the date.