PELHAM — With the holiday season approaching, the Pelham Police Department is issuing a warning about an uptick in phishing and smishing scams that could disrupt package deliveries and freeze bank accounts.
Residents are advised to be wary of urgent text messages from companies or texts claiming they have won a prize.
Officials emphasize that legitimate organizations are unlikely to send texts with high urgency links or offers that seem too good to be true.
These are often tactics used by scammers to harvest personal information and commit identity theft.
The police department advises the public to be skeptical of any text message instructing them to “act immediately.”
Instead of clicking on any links provided in these texts, individuals should contact the company or institution directly through their official website, app, or a verified phone number.
This precautionary measure can help prevent potential scams and protect personal information during a time when scammers are particularly active.