12 scams of Christmas: BBB warns of fake shipping notifications targeting shoppers

HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - As Christmas shoppers wait for their holiday packages to arrive at the front door, the Better Business Bureau warns scammers are using the opportunity to send fake shipping notifications.

The BBB said scammers impersonate legitimate shipping companies like the U.S. Postal Service and FedEx by sending text messages claiming there’s an issue with a package. The messages prompt you to click a link to track the shipment.

However, clicking these fraudulent links can compromise personal information and potentially download malware onto your phone. Some scammers also attempt to trick victims into paying fake shipping fees.

The BBB said checking the phone number is a quick way to identify these schemes. The number may have a different area code or might not even be from the United States, which is a sign to delete the message without opening it or clicking any links.

Another red flag is when an email address sends the text message, as legitimate shipping agencies don’t operate this way.

The BBB recommends always returning to the original confirmation from the retailer to track packages safely.

You can report a scam to the BBB scam tracker.

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