Smishing and other scams can kill your holiday cheer, the Postal Service warns

‘Tis the season – for tricks.

As the holiday season reaches its peak, the United States Postal Service is warning customers to be wary of holiday scams when sending and receiving gifts this year.

“While the holiday season offers cheer, joy and togetherness, scammers and their scams can dampen the season,” the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the federal law enforcement arm of the Postal Service, said on its website .

There are several scams that the USPS warns customers will be vulnerable to, including being “snowballed” by counterfeit mail, phishing and smishing scams, or mail and package theft.

Here are the types of mail scams you should be aware of and what you should know about them.

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“Smishing” is one of the most popular scams — especially around the holidays — that involves fraudulent text messages purporting to track packages.

It’s a form of phishing designed to steal personally identifiable information (PII), such as credit card and social security numbers, plus account passwords.

Smishing specifically involves a text message or phone number.

“Victims will typically receive a fraudulent text message intended to lure the recipient into providing their personal or financial information,” USPIS warns. “These fraudsters often try to masquerade as a government agency, bank or other company to lend legitimacy to their claims.”

While the USPS offers free tools to track specific packages, it won’t send customers text messages or e-mails without a customer first requesting the service with a specific tracking number — and it won’t contain a link.

To request service, text the package tracking number to 28777 (2USPS). A text from the agency will generally include a tracking number, package status, date, time, location and instructions to stop receiving further messages. Again, there would be note be a clickable link.

Via USPS, a text might look like: “USPS 01123456789123456789, Expected Delivery by: Monday, September 11, 2017 Reply STOP to cancel.”

If you believe you have received a fraudulent text from a sender claiming to be the Postal Service, you are advised to send an email to spam@uspis.gov and take the following steps:

• Without clicking on the web link, copy the body of the suspicious text message and paste it into a new email.
• Provide your name in the email and also attach a screenshot of the text message showing the sender’s phone number and the date it was sent.
• Include any relevant details in your email – for example, if you clicked on the link, if you lost money, if you provided any personal information or if you experienced any impact on your credit or person.
• The Postal Inspection Service will contact you if more information is needed.
• Forward smishing/text to 7726 (SPAM), which will help report the scam phone number.

‘Made’ by counterfeit mail

The number of counterfeit stamps being sold online has increased and the quality of fraudulent stamps has also increased, making it harder to tell the difference.

“Looking online for a good deal on postage stamps? Is a hefty discount of up to fifty percent off an order of United States Forever Stamps too good to pass up? If so, keep scrolling , they are probably counterfeit,” USPIS said.

Scammers often try to target customers through social media, third-party e-commerce sites, and pop-up ads.

To ensure that you are not purchasing counterfeit stamps, USPIS recommends purchasing directly from the USPS or from Approved Postal Providers such as legitimate “big box” sellers or retail warehouses that have resale agreements with the Postal Service.

Theft of mail and packages

While mail and packages can be stolen any time of year, USPIS warns that “thieves especially target gift packages delivered during the holiday season.”

To protect yourself and your mail, USPIS recommends picking up your mail and packages immediately rather than letting them sit for a long time.

If you cannot be home to receive a package, make other arrangements or use the USPS Carrier Mail Service. Recipients can also use the Hold for PickUp option and pick up the package at their local post office.

USPIS warns against sending cash through the mail, saying it’s not worth the risk. Additionally, if you do not receive a check, credit card or other valid mail, contact the sender as soon as possible to have it looked into.

If you are the sender and sending something important, consider requesting Signature Confirmation for the recipient.