This week we’ve found a large number of scams that you need to watch out for, including ones relating to USPS, Walmart, and Jared. Would you have been able to spot all the scams?

Phishing Scams

Impersonating famous brands and companies, scammers send out fake text messages and emails containing phishing links and try to entice you into opening them with various lies. These phishing links will often lead to fake login pages that will end up asking you for your personal information and/or login credentials.

USPS Scam Text Messages

From time to time, we detect fake USPS text messages. By sending you fake delivery notifications, or falsely claiming that there are problems with your delivery, scammers try to get you to click on phishing links. Below is an example; can you tell it from a legitimate one?

• USPS: The package is stuck in the fulfillment center and we cannot deliver it accurately because your address is wrong. <URL>

The link will take you to a fake USPS tracking page that provides a tracking number (fake, of course) and asks you to update your information, including your email address, street address, and phone number. Don’t enter anything! Scammers can record the data you enter onto these pages and use it to take control of your accounts and commit crimes such as identity theft.

Question: Will USPS Text You?

Yes, but that doesn’t mean every text message that seems to be from USPS is REAL.

According to USPS, you can register to receive their Text Tracking notifications. The texts typically include sender info, a tracking number, the status of the package and its location, the date and time, and instructions to stop receiving follow-up messages. So next time you receive a text message from USPS, take a close look and don’t click on any links because there shouldn’t be any!

Protect Yourself from Phishing Scams using Trend Micro Check

Trend Micro Check is a browser extension and mobile app for detecting scams, phishing attacks, malware, and dangerous links — and it’s FREE!

Check out this page for more information on Trend Micro Check.

Walmart Gift Card Scam

Want a free Walmart gift card? Posing as Walmart, scammers are sending out phishing texts claiming to give people gift cards:

• Its Kimberley from Walmart I tried calling about the 250US GiftCard you won! Where do we send it? <URL>

The links will take you to a Walmart survey page where you could end up exposing personal information, including your name, home address, and even credit card details:

Again, these credentials will end up in scammers’ hands and could be used for other cybercrimes. Don’t get scammed!

Halloween Shopping Scams

Text messages promoting fake Halloween sales campaigns are still rampant even though it’s nearly a week after the holiday. Here are some cases we found this week. Did you receive any of them?

#1 – Jared

• [Jewelry’s Halloween Sale]  J.A.RED’s – Women Favorite Gifts! Extra $15 Off Over $120! View all {URL} Reply STOP to Opt Out +12014840540

#2 – Bombas

• [Bombas Socks | Halloween Event] Enjoy 70% Discount. Take 15% Off Above $150. Event Details {URL} Reply STOP to Opt Out

#3 – Costa Del Mar

• [costa – halloween weekend offer] 70% off still works. save 15% with orders of $150. view all {URL} reply stop to opt out

Stay Safe from Scams All the Time

• Pay close attention to URLs — are they legitimate?
• Double-check the sender’s mobile number/email address.
• Shop only on legitimate online stores. Do your homework and read reviews.
• Free gifts and prizes are always a major red flag.
• Go to the official website/application instead of using links from unknown sources.
• Never click on links or attachments from unknown sources. Use Trend Micro Check to surf the web safely (it’s free!).
• Add an extra layer of protection to your devices with Trend Micro Maximum Security. Its Web Threat Protection, Ransomware Protection, Anti-phishing, and Anti-spam Protection can help you combat scams and cyberattacks. Click the button below to give it a try:

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