Smishing How Fake Delivery Texts Try to Steal Your Data
Smishing is phishing by text message, and fake delivery texts are its most common form. "Your parcel couldn't be delivered, pay a small fee here." The link leads to a fake page that steals card details or logins.
How to spot it
- You weren't expecting a parcel from that company.
- The link looks odd or uses a strange domain.
- It asks for a small payment or personal details.
- It creates urgency. "Today only" or "will be returned".
- Spelling or grammar feels off.
What to do
- Don't click the link.
- Check your delivery status by typing the carrier's website yourself.
- Report the text if your carrier or country has a reporting number.
- Delete it.
If you already clicked
- Entered card details? Call your bank right away.
- Entered a password? Change it and turn on two-factor login.
- Installed something? Remove it and run a security check.
Fewer leaks, fewer scams
Scammers get numbers from data leaks. Sharing your real number with fewer sites lowers how often it lands on their lists. For one-off sign ups, telly.cat numbers receive the code instead of your personal phone.
FAQ
What is smishing?
Phishing by SMS. Scammers send text messages that pretend to be from a delivery company, bank or government to trick you into clicking a link or sharing data.
What should I do if I clicked a fake delivery link?
Don't enter anything else. If you entered card details, call your bank. If you entered passwords, change them and turn on two-factor login.