An unexpected text could be a scam

I received a text message from FedEx telling me they were unable to deliver my package because I needed to sign for it. I was instructed to click on a link to reschedule the delivery. The website I’d be taken to was www.fedex.com@beqow.xin/us.

By now, you’ve probably guessed what the problem is. There was no package and something nefarious would have happened if I clicked on the link:

• I’d be asked to provide personal information that would be used to steal my identity.
• I’d have to pay some sort of fee to get my package, including perhaps providing credit card information.
• Just clicking on the link would download malware to my phone.
• All of the above.

And as with many scams, there was a sense of urgency. If I didn’t respond within two days, my package would be returned to the sender.

According to the FTC, consumers reported losing $470 million in 2024 to scams that started with a text message, a five-fold increase since 2020. The number of reports actually declined from 332,000 to 247,000. But as I note in many columns citing scam statistics, the actual numbers are much higher because most scams aren’t reported

Fake package delivery text messages like mine were the most common type of text scam. They may purport to come from FedEx, the U.S. Postal Service, or some other delivery organization. The website you’re taken to may look real, including having the right logo and official-looking language.

Rounding out the top five text message scams were, in order:

• Phony job opportunities. They may involve fake recruiters looking to steal a prospective employee’s information and/or money. A newer twist involves “task scams” in which you’re hired to complete repetitive tasks like rating products or apps. Victims may be paid small amounts, but at some point they’re convinced to pay in their own money with the false promise of earning even more.
• Fake fraud alerts. You get a call from Amazon or a bank saying there’s suspicious activity on your account, are connected to the fraud department, and pressured into moving your money into a “safe account” to protect it; the account belongs to the crooks. Or the message may be a simple confirmation of an order you supposedly placed that prompts you to call and report the apparent innocent mistake. Again, you end up with the phony fraud department.
• Bogus notices about unpaid tolls. The website you’re taken to is after your credit card and even Social Security number.
• Wrong number texts. They look like innocent misdials, but you’re drawn into a relationship with the sender that may turn romantic and ultimately convinced to put all your money into a bogus investment.

The FTC says people almost always open text messages. Open rates can be as high as 98 percent, which are really good odds for scammers.

The FTC and BBB offer these tips to avoid text scams:

• Don’t reply to unexpected text messages.
• Never click on links in unexpected messages.
• Don’t assume a text from a known company or organization is legit.
• Delete and report scam texts using your phone’s “report junk” option or forward unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM).

Most kids spend a lot of time on the phone, so share this advice with yours.