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Delivery text messages: How to know they're the real deal

Supreme Court to hear cell phone privacy case
Posted at 6:00 AM, Jan 29, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-29 09:23:15-05

PHOENIX — Normally phishing scams hit your email's inbox, but now they are headed straight to your phone.

People across the country and here in Arizona have gotten text messages that appear to have a tracking number. They look like their coming from a delivery company asking you to update your delivery preferences. They even include a link.

Jerrielea emailed the Let Joe Know team saying she got three texts from USPS, FedEx, DHL.

She said, "I don't want to check on the links, I'm old but not dumb."

Good call Jerrielea! The links take you to a fake site where you're asked to put in personal information -- something that could cost you.

Here's what you should know:

  • Companies will never send you messages unless you contacted them first.
  • If they ask for more money to deliver your package - It's a scam!
  • If they ask for personal information, like bank account info or your social security number - It's a scam!
  • Double check the link provided. Is it misspelled or a variation of the correct site? - It's a scam!

You can always go directly to the company's website and check the tracking number. It will tell you if it's valid or not.