The USPS text scam is a fake text saying your package can’t be delivered until you click a link to update your address or pay a small fee. It’s a scam. The Postal Inspection Service says USPS won’t text you unless you first asked for tracking updates with a tracking number, and those texts won’t contain a link.
Don’t tap the link or reply. Report it by emailing spam@uspis.gov and forwarding it to 7726, then delete it. If you entered card details, call your card company now.
This is part of our security guides. These texts spike when people are expecting deliveries, so they’re worth knowing before the holidays.
What the USPS text scam looks like
The FTC describes several versions. They all try to make you worry about a package and tap a link quickly.
- Failed delivery. “Your package could not be delivered due to an incomplete address.”
- Unpaid postage or fees. A small amount, often a dollar or two, to “release” or “redeliver” the package.
- Update your preferences. A request to confirm your address or delivery details.
- Order confirmation or out for delivery. A friendly-looking status update with a tracking link.
The examples above are typical wording, not exact copies. Scammers change the text often, so focus on the pattern rather than specific words.
How the scam works
The link opens a copy of a real-looking USPS page. According to the FTC, if you enter your details and pay, the money, along with your card number, name, address and anything else you typed, goes straight to the scammer. The small fee is the bait. The real prize is your card number, which can be used for much bigger charges.
Some fake sites also ask for a password, date of birth or Social Security number to “verify” you. USPS doesn’t need any of that to deliver a package.
Red flags that a USPS text is fake
- You never signed up for USPS texts. The Postal Inspection Service says USPS only texts customers who requested updates by registering online or texting in a tracking number.
- It contains a link. USPS says its tracking texts will not contain a link. Any “USPS” text with a link is fake.
- It asks for money. USPS doesn’t charge for its tracking services, and the FTC says it won’t demand payment to redeliver a package.
- It comes from a regular phone number or an email address. USPS uses 5-digit short codes for its texts.
- The web address isn’t usps.com. Look-alikes add words like “redelivery”, “track” or “help”. Read the part right before the first single slash: that’s the real site.
- Urgency. “Within 12 hours” or “your package will be returned” is there to rush you.
Not sure? Paste the link into our link safety checker to see where it goes without opening it. Better still, ignore the link and check your package where you ordered it.
How to check if a package is really delayed
- Go to the store or site you ordered from and open your order. The FTC recommends checking shipping and tracking there.
- Use the tracking number from that order on the carrier’s real website, typed in yourself (usps.com for USPS).
- If something is genuinely wrong, contact the seller or the carrier through its official site or number.
How to report a USPS text scam
Reporting takes a minute and helps block the sender for other people.
- Don’t reply or tap the link. Even replying “STOP” confirms your number is active.
- Take a screenshot that shows the sender’s phone number and the date it arrived.
- Email spam@uspis.gov. The Postal Inspection Service asks for the text of the message (copy it without tapping the link), your name, and the screenshot.
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) so your carrier can flag the number. You can also use your messaging app’s report junk option.
- Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you lost money, also file a report with the FBI at ic3.gov and include the sender’s number and the fake website address.
- Delete the text.
To cut down on these messages, the FTC suggests turning on your phone’s filtering for texts from unknown senders. Our guide on how to stop spam texts walks through the settings on iPhone and Android. The Postal Inspection Service also suggests calling your carrier’s customer service (usually 611) to ask about blocking text messages sent from email addresses.
If you already entered your details
Move quickly. The sooner you act, the more you can stop.
- Call your bank or card company using the number on the back of your card. Tell them you entered the card on a scam site and ask to block it and dispute any charges. The FBI also advises watching for unfamiliar charges and disputing them.
- If you entered a password, change it on the real site and anywhere you reused it, and turn on two-factor sign-in.
- If you gave your Social Security number, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
- Watch for follow-up scams. Your name, number and address may be used for more convincing calls and texts later.
- Report it as described above. Reports help even when money is gone.
Similar scams to watch for
The same trick shows up with other names. The FTC mentions fake FedEx and DHL texts, and the FBI has warned about texts claiming you owe unpaid road tolls. Around the holidays, fake delivery texts join fake stores and gift card tricks; our guide to Black Friday scams covers the rest.
Related guide: Got a Text From the “IRS”? How to Spot an IRS Scam Text.
FAQ
Does USPS send text messages?
Only if you asked for them. The Postal Inspection Service says USPS sends tracking texts only after you sign up with a tracking number, and those texts won’t contain a link.
What happens if I clicked the link but didn’t enter anything?
Close the page and don’t enter anything. Keep your phone updated. If you entered nothing, the main risk is that the scammer now knows your number is active, so expect more scam texts.
Does USPS charge a fee for redelivery by text?
No. USPS doesn’t charge for its tracking services, and the FTC says the real USPS won’t demand payment to redeliver a package.
Where do I report a fake USPS text?
Email the details and a screenshot to spam@uspis.gov, forward the text to 7726, and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you lost money, also report to ic3.gov.
Why did I get this text if I’m not expecting a package?
Scammers send these texts to huge lists of numbers. They don’t know whether you’re expecting a delivery; they just hope some people are.
