A new text message scam uses a disguised text that looks like it’s from FedEx.
What’s going on: People around the country have reported receiving text messages that claim to be from FedEx, CNN reports.
- The texts include a fake link that alleges to be a tracking code.
- The text reads: “Hello ... your FEDEX package with tracking code ... is waiting for you to set delivery preferences” with a link right after.
- The link sends people to a fake Amazon listing page, which asks people to take a survey about customer satisfaction, per HowToGeek.com.
- “The real scam resides in the fine print. By agreeing to pay the small shipping fee, you’re also signing up for a 14-day trial to the company that sells the scammy products,” HowToGeek.com reported. “After the trial period, you will be billed $98.95 every month and sent a new supply of whatever item you claimed as a reward.”
- The scam asks for personal information, including a credit card number.
- It says you can get a free gift. You won’t.
Warnings: A police department in Duxbury, Massachusetts, warned Twitter about the scandal.
- The department said: “There is a new scam where you get a text with your name from Fedex (or another delivery service)and a tracking number. Do not click on the link. When in doubt about a tracking number go to the main website of the shipping company and search the tracking number yourself.”
SCAM 🚨 There is a new scam where you get a text with your name from Fedex (or another delivery service)and a tracking number. Do not click on the link. When in doubt about a tracking number go to the main website of the shipping company and search the tracking number yourself pic.twitter.com/EoG1C07OLf
— Duxbury Police (@Duxbury_Police) January 21, 2020
Reaction: FedEx shared a statement to ABC News about the fraudulent texts.
- FedEx: “We are committed to protecting the security and integrity of our network. While there is no foolproof method to prevent the FedEx name from being used in a scam, we are constantly monitoring for such activity and work cooperatively with law enforcement.”
Bigger picture: These “smishing” scams — phishing scams done through SMS text messages — are common, according to The Washington Post.
- The scams ask for passwords, personal information, Social Security numbers, bank account or credit card informations.
- The Federal Trade Commission earned 93,3000 complains about unwanted texts in 2018 alone, according to Consumer Reports.