{"id":98330,"date":"2020-01-28T16:59:53","date_gmt":"2020-01-29T00:59:53","guid":{"rendered":"\/blogs\/?p=98330"},"modified":"2025-08-29T01:41:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T08:41:11","slug":"fedex-sms-phishing-scam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/internet-security\/fedex-sms-phishing-scam\/","title":{"rendered":"What You Need to Know About the FedEx SMiShing Scam"},"content":{"rendered":"

You receive a text message saying that you have a package out for delivery. While you might feel exhilarated at first, you should think twice before clicking on that link in the text. According to CNN<\/a>, users across the U.S. are receiving phony text messages claiming to be from FedEx as part of a stealthy SMS phishing (SMiShing) campaign.<\/p>\n

How SMiShing Works<\/h2>\n

This SMiShing campaign uses text messages that show a supposed tracking code and a link to \u201cset delivery preferences.\u201d The link directs the recipient to a scammer-operated website disguised as a fake Amazon listing. The listing asks the user to take a customer satisfaction survey. After answering a couple of questions, the survey asks the user to enter personal information and a credit card number to claim a free gift, which still requires a small shipping and handling fee. But according to HowtoGeek.com<\/a>, agreeing to pay the small shipping fee also signs the user up for a 14-day trial to the company that sells the scam products. After the trial period, the user will be billed $98.95 every month. What\u2019s more, the text messages use the recipient\u2019s real name, making this threat even stealthier.<\/p>\n

How to Stay Protected<\/h2>\n

So, what can online shoppers do to defend themselves from this SMiShing scam? Check out the following tips to remain secure:<\/p>\n