USPS Warns Michigan Shoppers About Holiday Package Scams

The Michigan post office, is waving a red flag before the big holiday rush hits us here. The United States Postal Service says that scammers are already circling holiday packages, the gifts you are already tracking... so are these crooks.

The warning comes in part of USPS's "Project Safe Delivery," that was rolled out ahead of the busiest shipping weeks of the year.

How the “Redelivery Fee” Scam Works

If you get a text or email claiming there's a delivery hiccup with a link to "fix" your address or pay a tiny "redelivery fee," you're probably getting scammed. That link will send you to a fake USPS look-alike page to get your credit card number and personal information. This is a smishing scam, and it explodes during the holidays.

The fastest and easiest way to avoid the scam, is don't tap on any links if you get a text that claims you're experiencing "delivery problems," check the actual website, app or account you used, don't just follow a link from a text message.

What USPS Will Never Ask For

The USPS won't text you asking for fees or personal data. If a message does ask for any of that, chances are, it isn't legit.

What To Do If You Clicked

You can forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM) and file a report with the Postal Inspection Service. If you entered info, contact your bank and lock down your accounts.

The USPS is also advising that if you want to beat the porch pirates, ship earlier. USPS's currently recommends sending dates for delivery before Dec. 25 by December 17th for Ground Advantage and First-Class. December 18th for Priority Mail, and December 20 for Priority Mail Express.

Alaska and Hawaii are a touch earlier for their own ground mail.

It is that time of year where people are trying to steal your packages and your data. This information could help keep you safe.