New “Smishing” Ploys Sends Fake Texts From FedEx: Here’s How To Avoid Getting Scammed

What top watch out for with “smishing” scams Police are warning people about a new scam, called “smishing,” in which victims receive a text purporting to be from FedEx,...

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What top watch out for with “smishing” scams

Police are warning people about a new scam, called “smishing,” in which victims receive a text purporting to be from FedEx, complete with a fake tracking number. In order to claim their package, scammers then lure victims into entering their credit card information.

“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,” @Duxbury_Police warned on Twitter.

Scammers who use “smishing” tactics–a combination of “SMS” and “phishing”–won’t ask you to pay for the delivery up-front. However, they will bait you by having you enter your address and credit card number, to blog How-To Geek reports.

“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,” How-To Geek reports. “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.”

FedEx confirmed in a statement that it does not request payment or other personal information via text message.