DALLAS — Amid the busy holiday shipping season, the U.S. Postal Service is sounding an urgent warning about a scam being sent via text message to unsuspecting users. According to postal officials, the scam consists of cell phone owners receiving a text message that says a USPS package can’t be delivered because of missing information.

John Hyatt, strategic communication specialist for the United States Postal Service, said smishing is the practice of sending fake text messages to smartphones asking users to click on a link to resolve a ZIP code or other issue with a pending package. He warned personal data is what the sender is after.

Tis the season — for scams. As the holiday season reaches its peak, the United States Postal Service is warning customers to be wary of holiday scams when sending and receiving gifts this year. “While the holiday season offers merriment,

Smishing is the practice of sending text messages disguised as a reputable source, like the U.S. Postal Service.

Mail carriers are warning the public of a scam that involves texts coming from stranger pretending to be them.

Scammers are using a hoax called smishing to try to deceive consumers who send packages through the mail. Experts share guidance on how you can avoid this scam.

The agency is warning about this. The scam works by sending fake text messages to trick people into sharing information or clicking on a link. Scammers say there's an issue with delivery or pretend to be a bank, government agency, or a company. They may also ask you for account numbers or passwords.

This holiday season is the time of giving. But unfortunately, some scammers see it as a time of stealing, as fraudulent text messages have been circling around