Scammers are working overtime to send out phony package-delivery notices falsely claiming to be from UPS, FedEx, or the U.S. Postal Service.
Although the real package couriers send out legitimate notices to customers, the scammers operate to confuse and mislead consumers into clicking on bogus links that request money and/or personal information. The scammers often falsely suggest that there is a “problem” with an upcoming delivery that could divert or delay the package delivery.
To avoid becoming a victim of such scams, the Federal Trade Commission advises you to:
- Always verify information about your expected delivery using the retail websites from which you bought the product or service — it’s typically where the legitimate shipping and tracking information can be found.
- NOT click on any links in text messages that might be a hoax; they could infect your device with malicious software.
- Determine whether your mobile device has filters to block text messages from unknown senders or other options to alter the delivery of junk text messages. For example, some devices allow you to send unknown texts to a special “Spam & blocked” folder.
- Report junk and scam text messages. If your device has an option available to report it, do so. If not, forward the suspicious text messages to 7726 (SPAM). For more information about this reporting function and how to forward a text message, click here.
Additionally, many Ohioans have reported receiving fraudulent text messages demanding that they immediately pay an unpaid toll fee or parking ticket. Such messages often claim to be from the
Ohio Turnpike, E-Z Pass or another state’s toll authority. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office reminds readers:
- Do NOT click links or provide payment information.
- Verify directly by contacting the toll authority or parking service through official channels.
- Report scams to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 800-282-0515.
- Stay alert and stay informed.
Also, check out the Attorney General’s
Phone Scams Checklist as well as information and tips from the FTC “to help you weed out
spam text messages,
phishing emails, and
unwanted calls.”
Consumers who suspect a scam or an unfair business practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.