The U.S. Postal Inspector in Honolulu, Brian Shaughnessy, advises local residents to delete unsolicited mobile texts that claim they are from the U.S. Postal Service, but are in fact “smishing” scams.
Shaughnessy said he has encountered an “increase in complaints from consumers in Guam and Saipan” regarding mobile text messages from unknown numbers. The messages state that a Postal Service delivery is awaiting action. It includes a web link in the body of the text message.
Shaughnessy said the text is a “smishing” scam, which is an attempt to steal the victim’s personal information, such as user name and password, Social Security number, date of birth, credit and debit card numbers, PIN number, or other sensitive information.
Shaughnessy said clicking on the link could lead to the installation of malware. The link will lead to a fraudulent website that is used to steal personal information.
“Do not give out personal information in response to text messages from unknown senders,” Shaughnessy said in a media release.
If customers receive a smishing scam message, they are encouraged to take a snapshot of the message and send it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service by emailing spam@uspis.gov/. They can then delete the text.
When emailing the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to report a scam, include your name; the date you received the message; whether or not you clicked on the link or URL; whether or not you provided information; what information you provided; and any monetary losses in case of a breach of your personal information.
Complaints can also be sent to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov/complaint/.
