Charlotte, NC, December 3, 2025
As the holiday season approaches, consumers in Charlotte, NC are warned about a surge in fraudulent text messages impersonating delivery services. These ‘smishing’ attacks aim to steal personal and financial information by luring recipients to click on malicious links or provide sensitive data. Scammers are posing as reputable delivery companies with urgent messages about package deliveries, creating a sense of urgency and requesting personal information. To protect against these scams, consumers should verify delivery statuses through official channels and report suspicious messages.
Scammers Target Holiday Shoppers with Fake Package-Tracking Texts
Charlotte, NC – As the holiday season approaches, consumers are being warned about a surge in fraudulent text messages impersonating delivery services. These “smishing” attacks aim to steal personal and financial information by tricking recipients into clicking malicious links or providing sensitive data.
How the Scam Works
Scammers send text messages claiming to be from reputable delivery companies like UPS, FedEx, or the U.S. Postal Service. The messages often state that a package cannot be delivered due to an incomplete address or missed delivery attempt. They include a link for recipients to confirm their address or reschedule delivery. Clicking these links can lead to phishing websites designed to steal personal information or prompt the download of malware onto the recipient’s device.
Recognizing Fake Delivery Texts
To identify fraudulent messages, look for the following signs:
- Generic Greetings: Messages that do not address you by name or use vague language like “Dear Customer.”
- Urgent Language: Messages that create a sense of urgency, such as claiming your package will be returned if you don’t act immediately.
- Suspicious Links: Links that do not direct you to the official website of the claimed delivery service.
- Requests for Personal Information: Messages asking for sensitive data like Social Security numbers or payment details.
Protecting Yourself
To safeguard against these scams:
- Verify Delivery Status: Use official websites or apps to track your packages. Do not click on links from unsolicited messages.
- Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages: Legitimate companies rarely send unsolicited texts requesting personal information or payments.
- Report Suspicious Messages: Forward fraudulent texts to 7726 (SPAM) to help authorities take action against scammers.
Background
The Federal Trade Commission reports that people lost $470 million to text-based scams in 2024, with delivery scams being the biggest culprit. As online shopping increases during the holiday season, consumers are advised to remain vigilant against such fraudulent activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are “smishing” attacks?
“Smishing” attacks are fraudulent text messages designed to steal personal and financial information by tricking recipients into clicking malicious links or providing sensitive data.
How can I recognize a fake delivery text?
Look for generic greetings, urgent language, suspicious links, and requests for personal information. Legitimate companies rarely send unsolicited texts requesting such details.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious delivery text?
Do not click on any links or provide personal information. Instead, use official websites or apps to track your packages. Report fraudulent texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM).
How can I protect myself from these scams?
Be skeptical of unsolicited messages, verify delivery statuses through official channels, and report suspicious messages to help authorities take action against scammers.
What should I do if I have already clicked on a suspicious link?
If you have clicked on a suspicious link, immediately run a security scan on your device, change any passwords you may have entered, and monitor your financial accounts for unauthorized activity.
Key Features of Holiday Delivery Scams
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Impersonation of Delivery Services | Scammers pose as reputable companies like UPS, FedEx, or USPS to gain trust. |
| Urgent Messages | Messages create a sense of urgency, claiming missed deliveries or incomplete addresses. |
| Malicious Links | Links lead to phishing websites or prompt malware downloads. |
| Request for Personal Information | Scammers ask for sensitive data such as Social Security numbers or payment details. |
| Financial Losses | Victims may experience financial losses due to unauthorized transactions or identity theft. |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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