Sorry to burst your bubble. That unexpected text telling you about an unclaimed package or a survey you can complete to claim a freebie is a scam.
The FTC has seen a spike in reports from people getting text messages that look like they’re from well-known retailers and government agencies. Spoiler alert: they’re from impersonators . The details vary, but the scammers are after the same thing: your money and your personal information. You may get a text from scammers pretending to be the United States Postal Service (USPS) asking you to confirm your debit card details so you can get an undelivered package or a text about a free prize. To claim your reward, you’re told to click on the link, answer some questions, and pay for shipping. Don’t do it! If you click on those links and submit your card information, you’ll ending up with nothing but unauthorized charges posted to your account.
No matter what the unexpected text 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. - 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.
Already paid or gave your information to a scammer? Check out What to Do If You Were Scammed.
If you have any questions, please call our Customer First Contact Representatives at (203) 462-4400 (Monday – Friday (excluding bank holidays) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
