USPS warns public of 'smishing' texts

Mail carriers are warning the public of a scam that involves texts coming from stranger pretending to be them.

The United States Post Office issued a public heads up regarding, "smishing," a form of phishing that involves text messages coming from scammers.

"These scammers often attempt to disguise themselves as a government agency, bank, or other company to lend legitimacy to their claims. USPS utilizes the 5-digit short codes to send and receive SMS to and from mobile phones," USPS’ notice to the public read.

USPS says it’s free for anyone to track specific packages – and does not involve unsolicited texts from strange and unrecognizable phone numbers.

USPS also said it does not require customers to click on a weird link from its text messages, unlike the scammers.

To read USPS' full warning about smashing, click here.

ConsumerCrime and Public Safety