Don't respond to this text scam, police say

SANDUSKY — If you received a strange text message about an undelivered package, don't respond. It's a scam, law enforcement leaders said. The fraudulent text informs its recipient that a package was discovered that is "owed" to them. It then provides a hyperlink for the recipient to click on to "assume ownership and confirm for delivery." "It's an attempt to collect personal identifying information such as full name, address, phone numbers, email addresses and so on until they get to Social Security numbers and bank information," Sandusky County Sheriff Chris Hilton said. Hilton said a citizen reported the scam text to his agency. Even the Sandusky County Emergency Management Agency director received one of the fraudulent texts, he said. "As with any scam, the more information they have about you, the more financial damage the scammers can cause," Hilton said. Other local law enforcement leaders said they have not heard about these text messages, but agreed that it's more than likely a scam. "We have always recommended that people receiving unknown telephone calls to avoid answering or calling them back," Huron County Sheriff Todd Corbin said. "If they do, do not release any personal information." Added Perkins police Chief Vince Donald: "I would recommend ignoring the text and deleting them or contacting your local law enforcement agency."