Secret Service Warns Hoosiers About ‘Smishing’ Text Scam

I can't even tell you how many weird texts I have received that say I have a package that could not be delivered or something like that. There is always a tempting link included so I can find out about my delivery. Wait, I didn't order anything! This is one of the latest scams that hackers are using to get our personal information.

What is Smishing?

It sounds like a slang word your teen might use, but it is one of the newer ways that hackers are trying to get our information. The Secret Service says that Smishing is the term used for a text message that is used for fraud. Oh, and they are tricky. Even when I know for a fact that I should not have a package delivered, the smishing text makes me think that someone is surprising me. The real surprise would be on the scammers...When they try to steal my fortune of about $5.

Warnings From The USPS and Secret Service

The United States Post Office sent out some helpful information about smishing. If you didn't opt-in for notifications about a delivery, but you are getting strange texts with a link - Do Not Click The Link. To report USPS-related smishing, send an email to spam@uspis.gov

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The Secret Service has a lot of great information about preventing smishing:

• Never to a text message from an unknown source. Never click on a link or open an attachment from an unknown source.
• Never respond to a text message offering you to earn quick and easy money.
• Never respond “Stop” or “No” to prevent future text messages, delete the text instead.
• Always delete a text message from an unknown source.