How To Spot Fedex Text Scams: 10 Safety Tips
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Key notes
- Scammers are becoming increasingly creative in their attacks so users need to practice safety tips to avoid falling victim.
- FedEx text scams are on the rise and appear to be the real thing hence a large number of victims.
- In this article, we share tips to spot a FedEx text scam and the necessary steps to take to secure your privacy.
FedEx is one of the world’s largest express transportation companies and a major parcel delivery company.
The company offers a wide range of products and services to meet customers’ needs, including air and international package delivery, freight forwarding, and more.
Because it is such a big business, it has had its fair share of ups and downs. It has been plagued by text scams that can easily soil its reputation built over the years.
FedEx text scams are on the rise. If you haven’t received one yet, you’re probably not far off. These messages are designed to look like they’re coming from FedEx, but they’re not. They’re just a way for scammers to get your personal information in an attempt to steal your money.
It is critical that you equip your system with security software to help you combat online threats. You may also benefit from privacy protector software that will shield your confidential information from hackers.
What is a FedEx text number?
FedEx provides a text number for customers to receive shipment confirmation, tracking information, and other important updates. You can also use the text number to contact FedEx directly if you have questions about your shipment.
The FedEx text number can be found on the back of your package. You can also countercheck the number by going to the official FedEx website to ensure it is a legitimate number.
Can you get scammed just by opening a text?
No, you cannot get scammed by just opening a text. You become exposed to risk when you take action. If you click on any links, reply or call back the number, you give the scammer a chance to interact with you and lure you to provide personal information.
Clicking on links is the quickest way to get scammed since it’s a phishing link. Once you click on it, you have already given the scammer access to your device.
FedEx does not send unsolicited texts or call customers for marketing purposes — so any message that claims to come from FedEx but asks for your account information should be avoided.
How can I spot a FedEx text scam?
1. Asking for personal information
The basic idea behind these scams is that someone will send you a text message from a fake FedEx phone number. These messages usually claim that there’s an issue with your package or delivery, such as a missed pickup or incorrect address.
The scammer will then ask for your personal information or payment details so that they can correct the problem — but in reality, they’re going to steal your money or identity once they have what they want.
FedEx will never ask you for your personal information over text or email, so if you get an email or text asking for your login, password, or credit card number, it’s probably a scam.
2. Links on text messages
Don’t click any links within the text messages or reply back with any personal information like credit card numbers or social security numbers; they could lead you to dangerous websites or malware downloads.
You may receive a text with a fake FedEx tracking number and once you click on it, the hacker will access your details remotely.
If you get an email that looks like it’s from FedEx but doesn’t include their logo at the top of the message or in the subject line, don’t open it — delete it immediately! You can check with your local branch before giving out any information.
3. You have no scheduled delivery
If you’re not expecting a package, it might be a scam. If your phone buzzes with a text message about your package, there’s nothing wrong with double-checking to make sure it’s legitimate.
But if you weren’t expecting anything in the first place, it’s best to ignore the text and not click any links it might include. The same goes for emails or other forms of communication scammers may use.
4. You are not subscribed to text notifications
Don’t respond to the text message if you didn’t request it in the first place. There are many ways to get alerted about your package so if you did not subscribe to text alerts but are getting them, it could be a FedEx text scam.
5. Poor grammar and typos
Keep an eye out for typos and poor grammar. Phishing scams tend to have poor spelling and grammatical errors so examine the text closely.
6. The text is too good to be true
If you receive a text message from someone claiming that they work for FedEx offering you great deals on shipping services, it’s best to ignore them.
If you’re interested in shipping services with FedEx, go directly to their website or contact them through other methods (such as by phone or email).
7. Fake job postings
You may encounter a text message urging you to apply for a job. The job description isn’t specific enough and doesn’t mention any skills required.
There is no need for any experience at all. This is a red flag because legitimate companies don’t offer jobs where skills aren’t required and experience isn’t necessary.
Furthermore, if FedEx was advertising jobs, they wouldn’t need to send individuals text messages and would instead post them on their site for anyone to apply.
8. Download unverified applications
You may get a text asking you to download an application from FedEx. The first step is to ignore the message. You should never download an app without checking its legitimacy first.
If you get a text like this, don’t click on any links or attachments that are included in the text. Once you download the app, it can take over your device and give hackers access to your personal information.
Instead, check with the company directly before downloading anything from them or clicking any links in their texts.
9. Unsecure websites
The most obvious sign of a FedEx text scam is that they’re not coming from a legitimate address. You may also see a lock icon next to the address in your browser bar, which indicates that you’re using a secure connection with FedEx’s website.
If that icon isn’t there, then it’s likely a scammer who has set up their own website claiming to be FedEx.
10. Watch out for free trials
If you’re looking for something free, you might find yourself on the receiving end of a FedEx text scam.
The company’s name may be used to dupe people into signing up for trial offers, including a free trial version of new delivery services or a completely different service that does not exist.
Always go back to the website to verify any information before engaging in any activity that could expose you to scammers.
Does FedEx text you before delivery?
Yes, FedEx texts you before delivery. You can choose to receive a text message when your package is ready for pickup at the FedEx location of your choice. This works well if you have a busy schedule and aren’t always available to pick up packages at home.
Texting is however not the only mode of communication as you can select between email, phone, app or a combination of any of these methods.
Can my phone get hacked by opening a text?
It all depends on the text and what you’re doing with your phone. If you are not keen enough and click on any links, you can get hacked.
Scammers can hijack one of your apps. If someone has access to one of your apps, they may be able to gain access to all of the other apps on your phone using that same app’s permissions
Your Wi-Fi is another access point. If someone manages to get onto the same Wi-Fi network as you do, they may be able to gain access to any personal information stored on your device.
Can someone hack my phone by texting me?
No, this is not possible. If a hacker tries to text you, they will not be able to access your phone. They may be able to send you unsolicited texts to the number that you provided when signing up for the service.
The only way that a hacker could get into your account is if they know your user ID and password or get you to click on a malicious link.
If you would like to report a FedEx phishing email, you can do so via mail or their customer protection center.
We hope that with the above tips, you are now feeling more secure and can spot a scam before you fall victim.
Be sure to also check out our comprehensive guide on how to avoid a Windows Defender scam.
We also recommend that you use safe and secure browsers while on the internet to minimize your exposure to risk.
Let us know whether you have been a victim of a scam and what steps you took to avoid such in the future in the comment section below.
