Warning: Fake text messages only pretend to come from FedEx

The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a text message scam that is "sweeping the United States and Canada."

The message, which can also arrive via email, seems to come from FedEx, addresses the recipient by name and asks that the recipient click on a link to set delivery preferences for their package.

"Don't click!" the Better Business Bureau says.

 Some people who clicked on the link were taken to an Amazon survey site, where they were asked to put in their credit card information, the Better Business Bureau said.

FedEx told the Better Business Bureau that it "does not send unsolicited text messages or emails to customers requesting money or package or personal information. Unfortunately, scammers often invoke the names of trusted brands when attempting to take advantage of the public, and FedEx is one of many companies whose brand has been abused in this way.

"We are committed to protecting the security and integrity of our network. While there is no foolproof method to prevent the FedEx name from being used in a scam, we are constantly monitoring for such activity and work cooperatively with law enforcement.”

According to the Better Business Bureau, any suspicious text messages or emails should be deleted without being opened, and reported to abuse@fedex.com. For more tips on detecting online scams from FedEx, visit the FedEx Customer Protection Center.

The Better Business Bureau advises anyone who received the scam text to report it to their scam tracker.

Here are some tips from the Better Business Bureau to avoid phishing scams:

If something sounds suspicious, confirm it by calling the company directly or checking the company website. Don’t click on links in an unexpected email – type the URL for the company into your browser or do a web search to find the right website.

Don’t click, download, or open anything that comes from an anonymous sender. This is likely an attempt to gain access to your personal information or install malware on your computer.

Be cautious of generic emails. Scammers try to cast a wide net by including little or no specific information in their fake emails. Always be wary of unsolicited messages that don't contain your name, last digits of your account number or other personalizing information.