Why this looks valid

• It is common to received text notifications regarding package deliveries, especially during the holidays
• The link in the text appears to be USPS

Why this is fraud

• The link does not go to the official USPS website, which is usps.com
• Valid shipping notifications normally include details such as the originating sender or a tracking number
• You may not have signed up for text messaging regarding any package de
• The originating phone number does not trace back to any shipping services

Additional notes

• What is a SMISH? It is a short way to refer to phishing messages sent by texting, also known as SMS
• Scams by text are very common - here is more information from the FTC on how to recognize them: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages
• Did you know: a great way find out quickly if this is a legitimate text is to search the phone number in Google - any valid alert would include a phone number that traces back to an official corporate website
• This example came from yours truly here at Gone Phishing! This holiday season, fraudulent text messages are becoming more frequent. Have you received an interesting SMISH? Forward it to phishing@marist.edu