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Beware of package pending spam text messages. Scammers are sneakier than ever!

posted by Mike Burke on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 in SHAZAM Blog

Fraudsters are at it again with a new “package pending” text message scam that claims a package is waiting for you to pick up and offers a link to click for more information.

By pretending to be a delivery notification for a package, these types of texts are an attempt to steal your personal data and financial information or sign you up for bogus subscriptions if you’re not careful. If you receive an unsolicited text like this, delete it immediately and block the number.

Police believe the text senders may have purchased your name and cell phone number from a data breach incident. Because they only have a portion of your data, it’s not useful to them and they can’t scam you unless you provide the remaining information.

A recently reported spam text message read like this:

“(Your Name) we came across a parcel from March pending for you. Kindly claim ownership and schedule for delivery here: Imascammer.com.”

The response link may look legitimate, but it’s not. Learn more about how to recognize and report a spam text message.

It’s reported that people who clicked the link were told they’d won a gift card. They were required to complete a form giving their personal information and agreement to pay a monthly subscription along with their credit card number to pay for it. They were scammed twice.

Protect yourself against unsolicited texts

  1. NEVER click on an unsolicited link sent to you via text or email. DELETE IT!
  2. NEVER provide personally identifiable information like your name, date of birth, Social Security number, etc.
  3. NEVER provide debit or credit card information.

Don’t let your cardholders fall for it! Read more on the FTC website.

Tags

  1. cardholder
  2. fraud
  3. phishing

About the Author

Mike Burke Photo

Mike Burke is a veteran law enforcement professional with experience in criminal justice instruction, homeland security and fraud investigation. He guides SHAZAM clients to enhance their security measures and ensure regulatory compliance.

SHAZAM, Inc. and ITS, Inc. provide this blog for general informational purposes only. Our blog may be shared by a direct link wherein the content remains as originally presented and has not been altered. SHAZAM, Inc. and ITS, Inc. assume no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents on the blog. By using this blog, reader agrees that the information published does not constitute nor is a substitute for legal advice which should only be sought from a qualified, licensed attorney. 

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