Ways to Combat Trending Text Scams: Fake Deliveries, Job Offers and Toll Tags

Scam text messages, also known as “smishing,” are not a new threat, but they have evolved into many forms over the years. With technology giving scammers a bigger platform to grow, consumers and organizations need to stay one step ahead of trending scams. 
Among the most unique scams taking place through text messages are fake delivery notices, fraudulent job offers and toll tag scams.  

Is the “USPS Package on Hold” Text a Scam? 

Delivery texts often appear to be from services such as USPS or UPS. They try to trick victims into clicking malicious links under the guise of tracking a package or problems with their account. According to the USPS, common phrases that fraudsters will use in a fraudulent delivery text message include: 

• “Your account has been suspended.”  
• “There is a suspicious activity on your account.”  
• “There is a problem with your shipping address.”  
• “There is a package waiting for you at the post office.”  

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also adds that these fraudulent texts could be saying something along the lines of missing a delivery attempt and needing to reschedule the delivery or that your item is ready to ship but your shipping preferences need to be updated.  

Malicious links within those texts will either lead to a fake website masquerading as a real site or could install malware on your phone. Fake sites within those links will request personal and security information from you, but other links could lead victims to download malicious apps and expose them to malware.  

If you believe you received a fake text regarding deliveries, avoid clicking the link within the text. Instead, look up the specific delivery service’s website to check if the text you received was legitimate or a scam. If you confirm that you received a scam text regarding your delivery, report it on the FTC website or forward it to spam@uspis.gov if they are fraudulently claiming to be USPS. 

How Can I Tell a Job Offer Text is Real? 

On the hunt for a new job? Accepting a position from an unsolicited text message may not be the way to go. Job offer scam texts lure individuals with the promise of a job opportunity, baiting them to click a fraudulent link to steal personal and security information from them.  

With online job board websites being the primary focus for job seekers, the likelihood your information from those sites getting leaked and being used by fraudsters is increasing. According to reports on FTC data, job opportunity text scams have skyrocketed, with reported losses estimated at $2 million in 2020 and rising to $61.2 million in 2024.  

Fraudsters pose as recruiters who “found” you on Indeed, LinkedIn and other job board sites to legitimize their messages and increase trust. Before responding to that job opportunity or clicking the link, use caution by double checking the company’s website to see if the offer is real. If you can find the job posting, proceed with skepticism by reaching out directly to the recruiter listed for that role.  

If you receive a scam message on LinkedIn, Indeed or another job recruiting site, report it to them immediately. If you receive a job-related scam text message to your personal phone number, report it on the FTC website.  

Do Toll Agencies Send Payment Notices by Text? 

Toll tag scam texts attempt to trick victims by making them think they need to settle a toll road bill as soon as possible to avoid facing bigger consequences. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), they receive consumer complaints about fraudulent text messages claiming to be toll companies such as E-ZPass, FasTrak and I-PASS. These texts tend to follow a pattern of claiming that the recipient has a past due toll payment or a balance on their account. They normally follow up with encouragement to take action to avoid immediate suspension of the recipient’s account. While legitimate toll agencies may send text or email alerts, users must be opted in through their account to receive these notices.

Red Flags to Look Out For 

• Receiving unsolicited messages about package deliveries. Shipping companies typically only send notifications if you have opted in through their official channels.
• URLs that mimic legitimate company websites but with slight variations.
• Requesting personal information such as social security numbers, credit card details or passwords.
• Urgent or threatening phrases such as stating that a failure to respond or act immediately will result in consequences.
• Unexpected payment requests for fees, charges or taxes.
• The text messages are being sent through an international number. 
• Requesting payment through non-traditional payment methods, such as gift cards or wire transfers. 

What to Do If You Clicked a Scam Text

Sometimes we do not realize a message could be a scam before it’s too late, here are steps you can take to mitigate risk if you engaged with a scam text message: 

1. Close the site and clear your cookies. 
2. Run a security scan on your device and make sure your device’s security software is up to date. 
3. Change any passwords on accounts you logged into and enable multi-factor authentication. 
4. Contact your bank or credit card company if you shared any financial information. 
5. Consider placing a credit freeze or fraud alert if you provided personal information. 
6. Keep a record of the incident, save any screenshots of the text and details of what happened in case you need to refer to it in the future. 
7. Report the incident to the relevant authorities and the organization being impersonated. 

To avoid falling victim to these scams, do not use the link to access your account from the text. Instead, look up your account directly on your toll agencies website to check your payments and balances. If you receive one of these messages, you can report it on the FTC’s website, the FCC’s complaint page or through your toll agency’s website.