Do not click on unexpected texts from Amazon, USPS, Costco, or Home Depot that offer free gifts or mention claiming an undelivered package. It’s a scam.
According to officials of the Federal Trade Commission, they have seen a spike in reports from people getting text messages that look like they are from well-known names like United States Postal Service (USPS), Costco, Home Depot or others. They say the details vary but the scammers are after the same thing: your money and your personal information. Officials note you may get a text from scammers pretending to be USPS and asking you to confirm your debit card details so you can get an undelivered package. Or you might get texts about a chance to win a free gift card or a power tool. You may be told in order to claim your “reward” you need to click on the link, answer some questions, and pay for shipping. The FDC says “don’t do it.”
The Federal Trade Commission says if you click on those links and submit your card information, you’ll end up with nothing — but you’ll find unauthorized charges posted to your account.
They add no matter what the unexpected text says, the advice is the same.
The Federal Trade Commission also says don’t click on links or respond to unexpected texts — including ones asking you to fill out surveys to get free items. If you think it could be legit, contact the company using a website or phone number you know is real. Don’t use the information in the text message.
In addition, don’t pay to get a package redelivered. The real USPS won’t contact you out of the blue about a delivery (unless you submitted a request first and give a tracking number) — and they’ll never demand payment to redeliver a package.
