By Andi Anderson
March is National Criminal Justice Month, and experts at Michigan State University (MSU) are raising awareness about growing cybercrimes that target people every day. They are offering tips to help protect your personal information, privacy, and money.
Last year, cybercrime caused nearly $10 trillion in global losses, and the amount is expected to rise. Everyday scams—like package delay messages, romance fraud, and tax return scams—can trick people with just one click.
Rachel McNealey, assistant professor at MSU’s School of Criminal Justice, warns about “smishing” scams. These are fake text messages that claim to be from delivery services like the U.S. Postal Service. They often ask users to click a link or pay a fee.
Scammers send thousands of messages hoping some people will be waiting for a package and fall for the fake alert. If someone clicks the link and enters their personal or banking details, scammers can steal their identity, access other accounts, or use the information for fraud.
McNealey says the best protection is knowing how real delivery services work. For example, the U.S. Postal Service only sends text alerts to customers who sign up with a tracking number. They never charge for updates or send links through text messages.
If you're unsure about a message, avoid clicking links. Instead, visit the official USPS website and check your tracking information directly.
Experts also suggest being cautious with messages asking for personal information, especially if they include urgent or emotional requests.
This month serves as a reminder to stay informed and alert. With awareness and simple habits, everyone can stay safer online and avoid falling victim to digital scams.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Education