It can be difficult to keep track of everything that you order online, especially during the holiday season. That’s why, when you get a text message that’s allegedly from FedEx or UPS, you may not think twice about it.

The message says that your package is on the way and prompts you to pay the remaining postage cost or update your delivery preferences. And it comes with a link that looks like gibberish. Here’s the thing: there’s no package, and the message is fake.

Scammers always ramp up their efforts during the holiday season. They are clever, and they target interactions, like online shopping and package-shipping, which tend to be highly relevant this time of year.

These bogus shipping updates are just a scheme to steal your personal information. Pretending to be from a reputable company in order to trick people into revealing personal details, such as credit card numbers, is known as phishing. Phishing is a type of consumer fraud that can cost you money or even your identity.

It’s important to know that phishing scams can also happen over email. Be on the lookout for fake email messages from package delivery companies. In some cases, the email may contain an attachment disguised as a shipping manifest or a failed delivery attempt. Shipping companies don’t send this type of information—the attachment may be malware.

Follow these tips to keep your information safe:

• Did you receive an unexpected text message? Don’t click on any links or open any attachments.
• If you think the message could be legitimate, contact the company directly. Don’t use the contact information provided in the message.
• Keep your computer protected. Make sure your software is current. Stay on top of your security updates.

Here to Protect Your Consumer Rights

The Chicago consumer protection lawyers at Markoff Leinberger are here to help if you believe your consumer rights have been violated. Call us at 1-888-517-9115 to request a free case evaluation.