TRI-CITY AREA — Receiving package through the mail can often be an exciting prospect. Whether it’s a gift or something ordered online, most people look forward to the delivery.
Lately, many area residents have received emails or text messages indicating that a package is awaiting pickup at the local post office and more information is needed. Think twice, however, before clicking the link. Chances are, it’s a scam.
Interim Imlay City Postmaster Bryanna Owen says their office has been fielding a number of calls from residents who’ve received such texts and/or emails.
Postal officials warn residents to avoid clicking on any links in messages alleging to be from the United States Postal Service as a new ‘smishing’ scam hits the area.“It’s a scam,” Owen says. “We’ve been getting numerous calls all week. The scammers are looking to take your bank information and you definitely don’t want that to happen.”
Called ‘smishing,’ the scam is a form of phishing that involves a text message or phone number.
Scammers send a text message or email to entice the recipient to give up their personal information.
These scammers try to pose as a legitimate government agency, bank or company—but there are obvious giveaways, Owens says.
“Often the address will look like it’s from the USPS, but the address will end with ‘gmail.com,’ ‘aol.com,’ or ‘comcast.com.’” she says. “All official correspondence from the USPS will come from a…
