USPS Warning Minnesotans About Scary New ‘Smishing’ Scam

Oh great! There's another scam you now have to be on the lookout for. You should be used to this by now, especially considering there is seemingly a scam for everything these days.

USPS Warning Minnesotans About New Scam

USPS has a warning for Minnesotans about this particular scam. As if that wasn't alarming enough, the warning was cosigned by the Federal Trade Commission and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

I have to say, I have never heard of this type of scam before, which is surprising! This particular type of scam is being dubbed a 'smishing' scam, so add this one to your vocabulary.

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What Is A 'Smishing' Scam?

You probably haven't heard of this term before. Smishing refers to a form of phishing that involves a text message or phone number. In this case, consumers are getting an unsolicited text that has a link directing you to accept a USPS delivery.

RELATED: Fake Public Notice Scam Reported In Minnesota

If you didn't sign up for tracking updates with a USPS package, this is a scam. Obviously, the scammer wants you to click the link, enter personal information and steal it from you. Even if you did sign up for tracking updates, USPS says they will never include a link or need you to confirm a delivery.

How Can I Make Sure A Text From USPS Is Real?

The United States Postal Inspection Service says that customers must register in order to track packages. There is no fee and they will not text you without you first initiating the tracking of a package.

RELATED: Text Message Survey Scam Circulating In Small Town Minnesota

Therefore, if you didn't sign up to track a package, you're being scammed. Plus, if you do sign up for tracking updates, you will never get a link along with it. That's another way to tell that you are being scammed.

Other Tips To Keep Yourself Safe

Try to keep track of what you order online so you know right off the bat if you even ordered something that is out for delivery. If you get a weird text with a tracking number, don't click the link but instead, go online via desktop and track it the old fashioned way.