Here we are not even one full month into a new year, and there are reports of a new scam making the rounds. This one is targeting FedEx customers in specific. And to be honest, this one is a little bit craftier than some of those that came before it.
With this newest scam, customers are sent a text message or an email with a link and instructions to set their “delivery preferences.” The link also attempts to get the customer to enter credit information as well.
FedEx took to Twitter on Wednesday, stating that customers would never receive any type of: “…unsolicited texts or emails requesting money, package or personal information.”
The tweet itself stated: “Have you received a suspicious text or email that appears to be from us? Suspicious messages should be deleted without being opened and reports to [email protected]”
The company also provided a link in the tweet that offered customers tips on how to further protect their safety.
According to a report over at HowToGeek.com, the scam messages in question have an attached fake “tracking code” with instructions to follow a link so that the customer can set their “delivery preferences.”
The following of this bogus link then triggers the routing of the customer to a phony Amazon site, which appears as a satisfaction survey. However, in order for the customer to claim their free gift for participating, they are required to enter a credit card number.
The Duxbury police, in Massachusetts, also took to Twitter, warning residents of the scam as well as urging them not to click on the link in the email or message. Instead, they instructed customers to go to the official FedEx website and input the tracking number themselves. In this manner, they will be able to determine if there are any questions or issues themselves.
Twitter users have been posting screenshots of the messages they have been receiving, some receiving more than one message. It is worth noting that the FedEx website also has a page that many of those targeted may find useful.
On the page in specific, there are six tips that will help customers in recognizing any possible online scams out there. Including, but not limited to, unsolicited and unexpected requests that involve money, personal information, and financial information.
Is this newest scam just the tip of the iceberg of what is to come in 2020?