What's Happening?
The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning about a prevalent scam involving text messages that appear to be from delivery services like FedEx. These messages claim that a package delivery failed and instruct recipients to click a link to reschedule. The link leads to a fraudulent website designed to steal personal information or install malware. The Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers lost $470 million to text message scams in 2024, highlighting the growing threat. The BBB advises consumers to avoid clicking on links in unexpected messages and to report such texts as spam.
Why It's Important?
This scam represents a significant threat to consumer security, as it exploits the high open rates of text messages, which can reach up to 98%. The financial impact is substantial, with millions lost to scams that begin with a simple text. The rise in such scams underscores the need for increased consumer awareness and vigilance. The BBB and FTC's guidance aims to protect consumers from identity theft and financial loss, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity in everyday communications.
