FedEx Raises Alarm Over Phishing Emails, SMS

FedEx, a world class courier and logistics Company has raised alarm over misguiding emails sent by impostors to defraud the public.

According to a statement on the company’s website, there have been unauthorized use of its business names, service marks and logos by persons or companies fraudulently representing themselves as FedEx or as representatives of FedEx.

In one of such mails sent to Nigeria CommunicationsWeek reporter read: “(Order: JN-0983-50425377) Dear Customer, Your parcel has arrived at the post office at January 6.Our courier was unable to deliver the parcel to you. To receive your parcel, please, go to the nearest office and show this receipt”.

However, FEDEX noted that millions of such fraudulent e-mails and SMS messages are deployed daily. “They claim to come from a wide variety of sources, and some claim to be from FedEx or representing FedEx. Fraudulent e-mail and SMS messages, often referred to as "phishing" or brand "spoofing," are becoming increasingly common.

“These types of messages often use corporate logos, colors and legal disclaimers to make it appear as though they are real. They are sent in an attempt to trick people into sending money and providing personal information such as usernames, passwords and/or credit card details, and for the purpose of committing theft, identity theft and/or other crimes”.

The company also disclosed recognizing such phishing or scam e-mails and sms messages remained the key to protecting oneself against such theft and other crimes.  

Thus, the impostors make, “Unexpected requests for money in return for delivery of a package or other item, personal and/or financial information, such as your Social Security number, bank account number, or other identification.

“Links to misspelled or slightly altered Web-site addresses. For example, variations on the correct Web-site address fedex.com, such as fedx.com or fed-ex.com.

“Alarming messages and requests for immediate action, such as "Your account will be suspended within 24 hours if you don't respond" or claims that you've won the lottery or a prize. Spelling and grammatical errors and excessive use of exclamation points (!)”.

To this end, the company said it does not request, via unsolicited mail, e-mail or SMS messages, payment or personal information in return for goods in transit or in its custody.