Capitol News

Rachel McNealey, an assistant professor at Michigan State University's School of Criminal Justice, provides insights into the growing threat of text fraud known as "smishing." This form of scam involves sending fake mobile text messages to trick individuals into sharing personal and financial information or downloading malware. McNealey explains that scammers collect phone numbers and emails through various methods, including purchasing stolen data online or scraping websites for contact information.

The prevalence of package delivery scams is significant, with 40 million Americans targeted in 2024 alone. These scams often involve messages claiming a package could not be delivered or is waiting to be claimed. McNealey notes that the scammers' strategy includes sending these texts to thousands of people, increasing the likelihood that some recipients are genuinely expecting a package and may fall victim.

McNealey warns that the U.S. Postal Service is commonly impersonated in these scams. However, other organizations like toll agencies have also been used by scammers to deceive individuals into believing they owe unpaid debts. To protect against such scams, she advises verifying any request for money or information before responding.

When receiving suspicious texts, McNealey suggests deleting them immediately. She emphasizes the importance of monitoring bank statements for unauthorized transactions if any form of payment has been used online. Additionally, she recommends being aware of how legitimate organizations communicate with their customers. For instance, the U.S. Postal Service only sends text updates to registered users with tracking numbers and never includes links or charges for services.

McNealey concludes by advising those concerned about package status to visit USPS.com directly and use its official tracking process.