A text message claiming that your USPS package cannot be delivered may look convincing. But before you click, pay a fee, or share your personal information, learn how to recognize a fake USPS delivery notification and verify your shipment safely.
Imagine receiving a text message saying your USPS package is on hold because your delivery address is incomplete. It asks you to confirm your information to avoid a failed delivery.
You may be expecting an online order, so the message seems perfectly reasonable.
But there is a problem: It might not be from USPS at all.
Fake USPS text messages are a common form of mobile phishing known as smishing. Scammers impersonate the United States Postal Service (USPS) to trick people into clicking suspicious links, revealing personal information, or entering credit card details.
The good news is that recognizing these messages is easier when you know what to look for.
In this guide, you’ll learn seven warning signs of fake USPS text messages, how to verify a real package delivery, and what to do if you receive a suspicious notification.
Remember: A delivery notification is never worth risking your identity or your money.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Fake USPS Text Message Scam?
- 7 Warning Signs of Fake USPS Text Messages
- What Does a Fake USPS Text Usually Look Like?
- How to Verify a USPS Delivery the Safe Way
- What to Do If You Receive a Fake USPS Text
- What If You Already Clicked a Suspicious Link?
- Official USPS Scam Reporting and Verification Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Fake USPS Text Message Scam?
A fake USPS text message scam is a type of phishing attack in which criminals pretend to represent the United States Postal Service.
These messages are commonly referred to as smishing, a combination of SMS (text messaging) and phishing.
The scam typically starts with an unexpected delivery notification. The sender claims there is a problem with your shipment and encourages you to take immediate action.
Common claims include:
- Your package cannot be delivered because your address is incomplete.
- Your shipment is being held at a local post office.
- You need to pay an additional delivery or redelivery fee.
- Your package is waiting for address confirmation.
- Your shipment has been delayed due to an incorrect ZIP Code.
- Your delivery information needs to be updated.
The goal is to make you believe that a real package is at risk.
Once you follow the instructions, scammers may attempt to collect your name, home address, phone number, credit card information, passwords, or other sensitive details.
Some fraudulent pages may also attempt to install malicious software or steal information stored on your device.
Important: Receiving a message that mentions USPS does not mean USPS actually sent it.
7 Warning Signs of Fake USPS Text Messages
Not every delivery notification is fraudulent. However, several warning signs can help you identify a potential scam before it causes damage.
1. You Never Requested USPS Text Tracking
This is one of the most important warning signs.
USPS provides SMS tracking notifications, but customers must initiate the service for a specific package, either by registering through USPS or by sending a tracking request with the tracking number.
If you suddenly receive an unsolicited USPS delivery notification that you never requested, treat it with caution.
According to the United States Postal Inspection Service, USPS does not send unsolicited tracking text messages or emails containing links.
What to do: Think about whether you personally signed up for USPS tracking notifications. If you did not, do not interact with the message.
2. The Message Contains an Unexpected Link
A suspicious message may ask you to click a link to:
- Confirm your delivery address.
- Reschedule a delivery.
- Release a package from a holding facility.
- Pay an outstanding postage fee.
- Update your shipping information.
An unexpected link is a major warning sign, particularly when the message claims to be an official USPS tracking notification.
Do not assume that a link is legitimate because the message includes USPS branding, a tracking number, or professional-looking language.
What to do: Never open links in unexpected delivery messages. Instead, independently visit the official USPS website.
3. It Requests a Small Redelivery or Processing Fee
Some scammers use a relatively small payment request to make their messages seem believable.
For example, a message may claim that you need to pay a small amount to release a delayed package.
The amount may appear insignificant, making people less likely to question the request.
However, entering your payment information on a fraudulent website can expose your credit or debit card details to criminals.
USPS states that it does not charge a fee for redelivery.
What to do: Do not enter payment information through a text message. Verify any actual postage or delivery issue directly through official USPS channels.
4. The Message Creates a Sense of Urgency
Scammers want you to act before you have time to think.
Watch out for phrases such as:
- Immediate action required.
- Your package will be returned today.
- Final delivery notice.
- Your shipment will be canceled.
- Confirm your information within 24 hours.
Urgent language is designed to trigger fear and encourage impulsive decisions.
A legitimate delivery problem should be independently verifiable. You do not need to follow an unexpected text message to investigate it.
What to do: Slow down. Do not let a deadline in an unsolicited message pressure you into sharing personal information.
5. The Sender Uses an Unfamiliar Phone Number
USPS uses five-digit short codes for its SMS tracking services.
A message from an unfamiliar full-length phone number, an international number, or an unexpected sender should be treated cautiously.
However, remember that sender information alone is not enough to establish whether a message is legitimate or fraudulent.
Phone numbers and sender details can be manipulated, and a familiar-looking sender name does not guarantee authenticity.
What to do: Never rely exclusively on the displayed sender name or phone number. Verify the shipment through USPS independently.
6. The Message Contains Suspicious Grammar or Unusual Formatting
Many scam messages contain:
- Incorrect grammar or spelling.
- Unnatural sentence structures.
- Unusual capitalization.
- Poorly formatted delivery information.
- Generic greetings instead of relevant order details.
Some messages may also contain awkward wording that appears to have been automatically translated.
However, this warning sign requires caution: scammers can use professional English, and legitimate automated messages may occasionally contain awkward wording.
What to do: Consider the entire message rather than judging it by grammar alone. An unexpected link or request for sensitive information is much more important.
7. It Requests Sensitive Personal or Financial Information
This is one of the clearest reasons to stop interacting with a message.
Be suspicious if a supposed USPS notification asks you to provide:
- Your Social Security number.
- Your USPS account password.
- Your bank account information.
- Your full credit or debit card details.
- Your payment PIN.
- Other sensitive identity information.
A delivery notification should not be used as an excuse to collect your financial credentials or identity information.
What to do: Do not reply, submit information, or follow the message’s instructions. Verify the shipment independently.
What Does a Fake USPS Text Usually Look Like?
Fake USPS notifications often follow a predictable pattern.
They begin with a delivery-related problem, create urgency, and encourage the recipient to take action.
Here are common scenarios to recognize:
| Scam scenario | What the message claims | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Address problem | Your address is incomplete | Requests personal information through an unexpected link |
| Delivery failure | Your package could not be delivered | Pressures you to act immediately |
| Unpaid postage | An additional fee is required | Requests payment through a text message |
| Package on hold | Your shipment is waiting for confirmation | Uses an unexpected link to collect information |
| Redelivery request | You must reschedule your delivery | Requests sensitive information or payment |
These examples describe common scam tactics, not genuine USPS notifications.
The most important distinction: An unexpected text asking you to follow a link to resolve a delivery problem should never be treated as proof that a real USPS shipment has an issue.
How to Verify a USPS Delivery the Safe Way
If you are expecting a package, you do not need to ignore all delivery notifications. You simply need to verify them through a trusted channel.
Follow these steps.
Step 1: Visit the Official USPS Website Yourself
Open your browser and manually enter:
Do not use a website address supplied in an unexpected text message.
You can access the official USPS tracking service from the website to check the status of a shipment.
Step 2: Enter Your Tracking Number
If you have a tracking number, enter it directly into the official USPS tracking service.
Check the shipment’s latest tracking events and delivery status.
If you purchased something online, you can also retrieve the tracking number from your order history on the retailer’s official website.
Step 3: Check Your USPS Account
If you use USPS services regularly, sign in through the official USPS website.
Review your package tracking information and account notifications independently.
Do not enter your account credentials through a link received in an unexpected text message.
Step 4: Contact USPS Through Official Channels
If the tracking information is unclear or you believe there is a genuine delivery problem, contact USPS using the customer service information published on its official website.
You can also use the USPS Help section to find the appropriate support options.
Step 5: Compare the Message With Your Actual Shipment
Ask yourself:
- Am I expecting this package?
- Did I personally request USPS text tracking?
- Does the tracking number match my order?
- Does the official tracking page show the same delivery issue?
- Is the text asking me to provide information or pay an unexpected fee?
If the message cannot be independently verified, do not follow its instructions.
A simple rule: Trust the tracking information you obtain directly from USPS, not the claims made in an unsolicited text message.
What to Do If You Receive a Fake USPS Text
If you receive a suspicious USPS notification, follow these steps to protect yourself and help prevent similar scams from reaching others.
1. Do Not Click or Reply
Avoid interacting with the message.
Do not open its links, download attachments, reply to the sender, or provide any information.
Even replying to confirm that your phone number is active can expose you to additional unwanted messages.
2. Report the Message to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service
The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) investigates crimes involving the U.S. Mail and provides guidance on reporting USPS-related scams.
You can report suspicious USPS text messages by emailing:
According to the Postal Inspection Service, you should:
- Copy the text message without opening any suspicious links.
- Paste the message into a new email.
- Include your name.
- Attach a screenshot showing the sender’s phone number and the date the message was received.
- Explain whether you clicked a link, provided personal information, or experienced financial losses.
Do not forward or open the suspicious link when preparing your report.
3. Forward the Message to 7726
You can also forward suspicious text messages to:
7726 (SPAM)
This helps mobile carriers identify and investigate spam messaging activity.
The reporting process may vary depending on your mobile carrier and device.
4. Report Fraud to the Federal Trade Commission
If you believe the message is part of a fraud attempt, you can submit a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Use the official reporting website:
Provide the information you have about the suspicious message and any financial or personal information you may have shared.
5. Block and Delete the Message
After reporting it, block the sender and delete the suspicious message.
You can also use your phone’s built-in spam reporting features to help filter similar messages in the future.
What If You Already Clicked a Suspicious Link?
First, do not panic.
Clicking a suspicious link does not automatically mean your identity or financial information has been stolen. However, you should take the situation seriously.
Your next steps depend on what happened.
If You Clicked the Link but Entered Nothing
- Close the suspicious webpage.
- Do not download anything or grant permissions.
- Avoid returning to the website.
- Update your browser and phone software.
- Run a security scan if your device supports it.
If You Entered Your Credit or Debit Card Information
- Contact your bank or card issuer immediately.
- Explain that your payment information may have been exposed through a phishing website.
- Ask whether your card should be locked or replaced.
- Review recent transactions for unauthorized activity.
If You Entered Your Password
- Change the affected password using the official website or application.
- Change the same password anywhere else you reused it.
- Enable multifactor authentication where available.
- Review recent account activity and sign out of unfamiliar sessions.
If You Shared Your Social Security Number
Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus.
You can also visit the official identity theft recovery resource:
https://www.IdentityTheft.gov/
If You Downloaded a File or Installed an Application
Disconnect from suspicious activity, remove unfamiliar applications, and use reputable security software to check your device.
If you believe your device has been compromised, seek professional technical assistance.
Most importantly, do not wait for financial damage to appear before contacting your bank or the relevant service provider.
Official USPS Scam Reporting and Verification Resources
When checking a suspicious delivery notification, always use official sources rather than information supplied by the sender.
Here are the most useful resources:
| Official resource | What you can use it for |
|---|---|
| USPS Official Website | Access official postal services and tracking |
| USPS Tracking | Check package status using your tracking number |
| USPS Postal Inspection Service | Learn about postal scams and report suspicious messages |
| USPS Customer Service | Find official assistance for delivery problems |
| Federal Trade Commission | Report fraudulent messages and identity theft |
Important official links:
- USPS Official Website: https://www.usps.com/
- USPS Tracking: https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input
- USPS Postal Inspection Service – Smishing Information: https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/smishing-package-tracking-text-scams
- USPS Scam and Scheme Alerts: https://faq.usps.com/articles/Knowledge/Scams-Scheme-Alerts
- USPS Postal Inspection Service – Report a Crime: https://www.uspis.gov/report
- Federal Trade Commission – Report Fraud: https://ReportFraud.ftc.gov/
- Identity Theft Recovery: https://www.IdentityTheft.gov/
Save these official resources so you can access them whenever you need to verify a delivery notification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does USPS send text messages about package deliveries?
Yes. USPS offers SMS tracking notifications for specific packages. However, customers must first initiate the tracking service and provide the relevant tracking number.
According to the United States Postal Inspection Service, USPS tracking text messages will not contain links.
If you receive an unsolicited delivery message containing an unexpected link, do not click it.
Does USPS charge a redelivery fee?
No. USPS states that it does not charge a fee for redelivery.
Be cautious of unexpected text messages requesting payment to release a package, correct an address, or arrange redelivery.
How can I tell if a USPS text message is real?
Check whether you personally requested the tracking notification, look for unexpected links or requests for payment, and verify the tracking number directly through the official USPS website.
Never rely solely on the sender’s displayed name or phone number.
What number should I forward a fake USPS text to?
Forward suspicious text messages to 7726 (SPAM) to help your mobile carrier identify unwanted messages.
For USPS-related smishing, you can also email the message to [email protected].
Can a fake USPS text steal my personal information?
Yes. These scams may direct victims to fraudulent websites designed to collect names, addresses, passwords, Social Security numbers, and payment details.
Some malicious links may also expose devices to malware.
Should I delete a fake USPS text message?
Yes, but report it first if possible.
Forward the message to 7726 or submit the relevant information to [email protected]. After reporting, block the sender and delete the message.
What if I am actually expecting a USPS package?
You can still check your shipment safely.
Visit the official USPS website, enter your tracking number manually, or check the order information through the retailer where you made the purchase.
Never use an unexpected text message as your only source of delivery information.
Final Thoughts: Stop, Check, and Verify Before You Click
Fake USPS text messages work because they take advantage of something most people do every day: receiving packages.
Scammers know that a delivery notification can easily catch your attention, especially when you are waiting for an important order.
But you do not have to become their next victim.
Remember these three simple rules:
- STOP: Never rush to click an unexpected delivery notification.
- CHECK: Look for suspicious links, payment requests, and demands for personal information.
- VERIFY: Check your shipment directly through the official USPS website.
If you receive a suspicious USPS text, take a screenshot, report it, and warn others.
One shared warning could prevent someone else from losing money or exposing their personal information.
Share this guide with your family, friends, and anyone who regularly shops online. A few seconds of verification can make a big difference.
Editorial Note: This article is intended for consumer awareness and educational purposes. ExpressTracking is an independent shipping information resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to the United States Postal Service (USPS).