Text Scams: Be Aware and Protect Yourself

As if you weren’t already bombarded by junk email and annoying calls about your vehicle’s warranty expiring, now we’re seeing text scams.

Text Scams in the News

A recently reported text scam has started to hit large companies like FedEx.  You may receive a text message that says “Hello <insert name, or generic term>, your FEDEX package, with tracking code GB-…. is waiting for you to set delivery preferences.”  Clicking on the included link will lead you to a fraudulent site that requests your personal information or payment for the release of your package.

Additional Text Scam Detail from FedEx

FedEx has a page on their site dedicated to the scam and other attempted misuses of their name and logo.  They ask that you send an email to abuse@fedex.com if you receive a text or email like the one show here.

I Clicked a Link and Entered my Information. Now what?

If you clicked a link and entered information on a device connected to your company’s network, your first call should be to your IT support team.  If you’re not connect to your organization’s network, we recommend you contact your local, non-emergency, law enforcement agency.  Cyber crime is taken seriously.  While the perpetrators may not always be brought to justice, it is important that we build strong cases against them in the event that they do see their day in court.

You are the Front Line of Defense

With newly evolving training available, and increased cyber security awareness, folks are getting better at identifying and avoiding phishing attempts.  As the tools and training to identify phishing improve, the attempted attacks become increasingly sophisticated.  Without vigilant attention to detail, it could be very easy to fall prey to a convincing phishing email.  We recommend you keep your guard up at all times, and avoid anything that seems even slightly suspicious.  Contact your IT support team  if something doesn’t look right, or if you click on a link or open an attachment and then think, “oh no, that might have been a mistake.”