Consumers may be opening more than just gifts this holiday; Better Business Bureau says watch out for phishing emails and smishing text messages that exploit well-known shipping companies and retailers.
Scammers know people are ordering products from big brands—including Amazon, Best Buy, Target and Walmart—and delivering goods through shippers—such as FedEx and UPS.
“Imposters are sending mass-messages to thousands of email addresses and phone numbers, in hopes that some recipients have recently made purchases and are expecting packages,” says Robert W.G. Andrew, CEO of BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington.
Be on alert for fraudulent confirmation requests, problem notices or prize offers.
If unexpected messages arrive, avoid sharing account numbers, clicking links or downloading attachments—designed to infect devices or steal identities. Use search engines to locate official contact information for sellers or shippers and then verify correspondence directly.
Find more scam avoidance advice at akorww.bbb.org/consumer-tips.
