Holiday Scams Surge as Fake Package Tracking Texts Flood Inboxes
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the holiday season reaches its peak and millions of Americans eagerly await their packages, cybercriminals are capitalizing on the frenzy by sending out a wave of fraudulent delivery notifications designed to steal sensitive information. These fake tracking texts, which closely resemble legitimate messages from well-known carriers, are inundating inboxes and preying on shoppers’ distracted state during the busiest shopping period of the year.
Experts warn that these scams are particularly insidious because they exploit the natural expectation of receiving shipments during the holidays. The messages often include links that appear to direct recipients to authentic tracking pages, but instead lead to spoofed websites crafted to harvest login credentials and personal data. In some cases, these links may also deploy malware or spyware capable of silently installing on devices, allowing scammers to monitor keystrokes or remotely access victims’ accounts.
“During the holiday rush, people are juggling multiple packages and tracking updates, which makes them vulnerable to clicking on links without scrutinizing them closely,” said cybersecurity analyst Kurt Knutsson, known as the CyberGuy. He advises consumers to be vigilant and look for telltale signs of fraud, such as unusual URLs with extra letters or swapped characters, unexpected requests for payment to release a package, or notifications about deliveries they did not order.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued advisories highlighting the rise in these scams, urging shoppers to verify tracking information directly through official carrier websites like USPS, FedEx, or UPS rather than clicking on links in unsolicited texts or emails. The FBI also recommends enabling multi-factor authentication on accounts and keeping devices updated with the latest security patches.
One Maryland resident recounted receiving a fake delivery notification that included a QR code, which, when scanned, directed her to a counterfeit tracking page nearly indistinguishable from the real one. “It was so convincing that I almost entered my login details before realizing something was off,” she said.
Scammers often time their messages to coincide with expected delivery windows, increasing the likelihood that recipients will trust the alert. They may also send notifications about “missed deliveries” at unusual hours, such as early morning or late at night, tactics designed to prompt immediate action without careful consideration.
To combat these threats, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency recommends that consumers avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages and instead navigate directly to carrier websites or apps to check package status. Additionally, users should be wary of any message requesting additional payment or personal information to release a shipment, as legitimate carriers do not impose such fees via text.
With online shopping expected to remain a dominant trend, especially during peak seasons, experts emphasize the importance of digital literacy and caution. “The best defense is awareness,” Knutsson said. “If you receive a tracking alert, pause and verify before clicking. It could save you from a costly identity theft or data breach.”
The holiday shopping season, while joyous, has become a fertile ground for cybercrime. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed through trusted sources such as the Federal Trade Commission and to report suspicious messages to authorities to help stem the tide of these pervasive scams.
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