AptKeysTools · Spotting scams
Fake package and toll texts
A text says a package can't be delivered or you owe a toll, with a link to pay. It's almost always a scam. Don't tap the link. Check by going to the real website or app yourself, forward the text to 7726, then delete it.
You'll need
- Your phone
- The real website or app for your toll account or the shipper, typed in yourself
What to know
- Spot the pattern: a text out of the blue says you owe a small toll or a package needs a fee or new address, and you need to act now. Scammers pretend to be tolling agencies everywhere and send texts demanding money.
- Don't tap the link or reply. The link leads to a page that asks for your card or bank details. Tapping can also give scammers personal information like your driver's license number, and they could steal your identity.
- Know how USPS works. USPS won't text or email you unless you first asked for tracking with a tracking number, and those texts won't contain a link.
- Check it yourself. Contact the toll agency using a phone number or website you know is real, not anything in the text. For packages, open the shipper's app or type its website yourself and enter your tracking number.
- Report it. Use your phone's "report junk" option, or forward the text to 7726 (SPAM). You can also report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For fake USPS texts, email [email protected].
- Then delete it.
- Turn on spam filtering. Your phone may be able to filter and block messages from unknown senders.
Watch out Real companies won't email or text you a link to update your payment information. Any text with a link and a deadline about money gets checked another way first.
Dad note The scam works because it's a small amount and it says hurry. Nothing about a toll or a package is so urgent you can't check it yourself in five minutes.