Unfortunately, there are more and more attempts at scams. So we are going to explain to you how the SMS fraud 'Your package is waiting' deceives thousands of people so that you know what it is, how it works and how to avoid it. We are talking about a new case of fraud in which cybercriminals impersonate an entity, in this case Correos, to trick you with a fake email. And of course, You are alerted to a problem with a package that you weren't even expecting
This type of fraud, known as smishing (phishing via text messages), is becoming more and more common and affects thousands of people. Although some messages are detected by the spam filter, others manage to slip through into the inbox, but how exactly does this scam work and what risks does it entail?
So, let's start at the beginning so you know How they have your phone to scam you and everything you need to know about the scam “Your package is on hold”
Why do cybercriminals have so many users' mobile phones?
To begin with, Saying that social networks are one of the main sources of personal information on the Internet.Users, often without realizing it, share large amounts of private data, such as their full name, location, date of birth and, in some cases, their phone number.
This is why this type of data should always be omitted. In addition, Please note that popular platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter have been victims of massive cyber attacks, where millions of personal data have been exposed.
For example, In 2021, more than 530 million Facebook accounts were affected by a massive data leak, which included phone numbers. Once cybercriminals have access to this information, they can use it for a variety of purposes, including toll fraud, SMS scams, or even identity theft.
In addition to social networks, Many people leave their phone number on various online platforms without considering the consequences.. A registration in an online store, a contest... And your data ends up in the wrong hands.
Other times, Telephone numbers are available in poorly protected databases or even in public sources. Many companies and organizations collect personal information, including phone numbers, which they store on servers that may be vulnerable to cyberattacks.
So, now that you know how you get so many messages and where cybercriminals get this data, let's take a look at this 'Your package is waiting' scam.
'Your package is on hold': the new scam you should avoid
This system is very simple: they send a mass message that It indicates something like Your package is on hold, or there is a problem with the address number or any other information so that you fall into the trap.
If you are not expecting a message, you will be suspicious, but it is possible that you are expecting something from Correos and fall into the trap. And there is a link that is supposed to solve your problem. But of course, it won't take you to the Correos website.
What happens if you decide to do so? When you click on the link, you are redirected to a fake website that looks authentic at first glance to the Correos website. And it will ask you to fill in certain data, especially your card number, to complete the shipment.
@EmailAttend This is phishing, it arrived shortly after I sent an order through Vinted. pic.twitter.com/KtI6ttJQqp
— Rei76 (@REiKVr) May 8, 2023
Obviously, this is a scam, and once they have your details, you will be a victim of identity theft or lose money directly from your bank accounts.
As you will see in the post above these lines, there are other variants to the Your package is on hold scam, so you should always be cautious and distrust any SMS message of this type…You do have to be very careful, because if you are deceived in this way, it is difficult for the bank to return your money.
What can you do to protect yourself?
The key to avoiding these scams is caution. Phishing is a constant danger at any time of year, but it increases during times of high consumption, such as the Christmas holidays or large online sales.
So Follow these tips to help you avoid SMS scams like the one about Your package is waiting at the Post Office.
Be wary of links in suspicious messages
Never click on links included in text messages or emails if you are not sure of their originEven if they seem legitimate, it is best to access the page directly by typing the address into your browser. The best thing you can do if you receive, for example, an SMS from Correos is to contact them via the appropriate means. The same goes for any other message from banks and other companies.
Check the security of the website
Before entering any personal information, make sure the page is secure. It should start with “https” and display a lock icon in your browser’s address bar. A quick glance can save you a lot of headaches.
Protect your passwords
Your passwords are the key to your accounts. Never share them with anyone and make sure you keep them in a safe place. Choose complex passwords, combining letters, numbers and symbols.
Create strong and easy-to-remember passwords
Avoid using pet names or birthdays as passwords. Choose combinations that include uppercase, lowercase and numbers, and that you can easily remember. Check out this compilation with Top 5 Password Manager Apps for Android
Avoid making transactions on public computers
Whenever possible, do not perform sensitive operations on shared computers. If you must do so, make sure to change your passwords as soon as possible.
Keep your devices protected
Make sure your computer or phone has an up-to-date antivirus and a properly configured firewall. A good spam filter can also help reduce the number of fraudulent messages you receive.
If you follow these tips, in addition to knowing what the Your package is waiting scam consists of, where cybercriminals impersonate Correos, you will protect yourself against this type of smishing or phishing scam.