A USPS scam can arrive as a fake USPS text message claiming your package is held, a USPS phishing email requesting customs payment, or a fake USPS tracking scam with a convincing but fraudulent tracking number. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center receives tens of thousands of USPS smishing complaints every year, with Americans losing millions to fake USPS delivery scam messages. These scams work because most people are expecting a delivery — a USPS scam text claiming your package requires a $0.30 fee creates exactly the kind of urgency that short-circuits careful thinking. This guide covers every active USPS scam type — including USPS package scams, USPS phishing emails, and USPS redelivery scams — with real examples, a Real vs. Fake comparison table, warning signs, and exactly what to do if you clicked a fake USPS message link.
Also see these related scam checkers that use identical delivery-impersonation tactics: Amazon Delivery Scam, Facebook Marketplace Scam, PayPal Scam Checker, WhatsApp Scam Checker, and Netflix Scam Checker.
Common USPS Scam Text Examples
Fake USPS Package Delivery Scam — Failed Delivery
Example fake USPS text
"USPS: Your package has been held at our facility. A delivery attempt was made and failed. Please update your delivery preferences within 24 hours to avoid return to sender: usps-delivery-update.com/rescheduling"
USPS Unpaid Postage / Redelivery Fee Scam
Example fake USPS text
"USPS Alert: A package addressed to you requires a $0.30 redelivery confirmation fee. Click to pay and confirm your address before it is returned: usps-parcel.info/confirm"
The fee is deliberately tiny — under $1 — to seem trivial and believable. The real goal is capturing your full card number, expiry date, CVV, and billing address for much larger fraud.
USPS Fake Tracking Number Scam
Example fake USPS text
"USPS Notification: Package 9400111899223397867926 could not be delivered. Last attempt today. Confirm address to reschedule: track-usps-delivery.com/9400"
The USPS tracking scam includes a plausible-looking tracking number to appear credible — but entering that number at usps.com returns no results, confirming it is invented.
USPS Package Customs / Import Fee Scam
Example fake USPS text
"USPS: Your international package (ID: 1Z9827463) is held at customs. A $2.99 import clearance fee is required within 48 hours. Pay here: usps-customs-clearance.com"
This USPS delivery scam variant targets people expecting international orders. USPS does not collect customs fees through text message links — all customs duties are handled through official USPS or CBP channels.
USPS Redelivery Scam — Address Confirmation
Example fake USPS text
"USPS: We were unable to verify the delivery address on your package. Please confirm your information at: us-postalservice.com/address-verify"
USPS Phishing Email — Account Verification
Example USPS phishing email subject
"Action Required: Your USPS Informed Delivery Account Has Been Suspended — verify your identity within 48 hours to restore access and view incoming mail."
USPS phishing emails impersonate USPS Informed Delivery notifications or account alerts. They use the official USPS logo and branding, link to a fake login page, and steal your USPS account credentials — which scammers then use to redirect your physical mail.
Real USPS Message vs Fake USPS Scam — Comparison
| Feature | Real USPS Message | Fake USPS Scam |
|---|---|---|
| Sender | Short code (5–6 digit number) you opted into | Standard 10-digit phone number or foreign number |
| Links | Only usps.com — no exceptions | Look-alike domains: usps-tracking.net, usps-parcel.info, us-postalservice.com |
| Payment requests | Never asks for payment via a text link | Requests a small fee ($0.30–$2.99) via a link to capture your card details |
| Tracking behavior | All tracking numbers verified at usps.com | Fake tracking numbers that return no results on usps.com |
| Urgency | Standard delivery notifications with no forced deadline | "Within 24 hours," "or it will be returned," "final notice" pressure language |
| Personal info requests | Never requests more than delivery address | Asks for date of birth, SSN, or full card details — far beyond delivery needs |
The only legitimate USPS website is usps.com. Any domain that is not exactly usps.com — including those that start with "usps.com." as a subdomain prefix — is fraudulent.
Why USPS Package Scams Work So Well
USPS delivery scams succeed because they tap into a natural anxiety most people experience around packages. At any given moment, a large portion of the population is waiting for at least one delivery. Scammers do not need to know you are expecting something — they blast millions of USPS scam texts knowing the statistical odds are in their favor.
- Presumed legitimacy: USPS is a trusted government agency. Recipients assume texts about deliveries are genuine, particularly when they happen to be waiting for a package.
- Low-stakes framing: A $0.30 or $2.99 fee seems too small to be a USPS scam. The trivial amount reduces scrutiny — but the goal is never the fee, it is your card details.
- Time pressure: "Within 24 hours or it will be returned" forces quick decisions. Urgency suppresses skepticism.
- Professional appearance: Fake USPS websites are cloned from the real site. They use HTTPS, the correct logo, fonts, and layout — and many feature live chat to boost credibility further.
- Mobile viewing: On a phone, the full URL is often truncated. A domain like "usps-tracking.net" may appear as "usps-trac..." — close enough to fool a quick glance.
Warning Signs of a Fake USPS Message
- 1)Unsolicited message: USPS text notifications are opt-in only. If you never signed up, any unsolicited USPS text is almost certainly a USPS scam.
- 2)Urgent deadline: "Within 24 hours," "today only," "or it will be returned" — pressure tactics designed to prevent careful verification.
- 3)Link that is not usps.com: Hover over or long-press the link before tapping. If the destination is anything other than usps.com, do not click.
- 4)Request for payment via text link: USPS does not collect redelivery fees, customs fees, or address confirmation fees through text message links. This is always a USPS package scam.
- 5)Sender is a 10-digit phone number: Real USPS texts come from short codes (5–6 digits). A standard 10-digit or foreign number is not USPS.
- 6)Fake or absent tracking number: If a tracking number is included, verify it at usps.com before taking any action. USPS tracking scam numbers return no results.
- 7)Requests for more than a delivery address: A redelivery should need only your address — not your date of birth, SSN, or full card details.
- 8)HTTPS padlock on the fake site: HTTPS only means the connection is encrypted — not that the site is legitimate. Always verify the domain name in the address bar.
What Happens If You Click a Fake USPS Link
Clicking the USPS phishing link takes you to a website that looks nearly identical to usps.com — with the eagle logo, blue color scheme, HTTPS, and a layout cloned from the real site. The page asks you to confirm your address, then prompts you to pay a small fee and enter your full card details. Everything you type is transmitted in real time to the scammer's server.
- Immediate card fraud: Your card number, CVV, and expiry are used for card-not-present purchases within hours.
- Data resale: Your details are sold on dark web marketplaces. A full card record with billing address sells for $5–$20.
- Recurring charges: Many fake USPS sites bury a subscription enrollment in their terms. Victims discover recurring charges of $19.99–$49.99/month weeks later.
- Identity theft: If you provided your name, address, and date of birth — which most fake USPS pages request — this is sufficient to apply for credit cards or loans in your name. See our identity theft guide for how to respond.
- Malware download: Some fake sites prompt you to install a "USPS tracking app" that is actually spyware capable of capturing passwords and banking credentials.
What to Do If You Clicked a USPS Scam Link
- If you clicked but entered nothing: Close the tab immediately and run a security scan on your device. You are likely safe, but some phishing sites attempt drive-by malware installation.
- If you entered card details: Contact your card issuer immediately. Report potential fraud, request a new card number, and ask them to flag any charges that appeared after the incident.
- If you entered personal information: Place a fraud alert on your credit reports by contacting Equifax (1-800-525-4760), Experian (1-888-397-3742), or TransUnion (1-800-680-7289). A fraud alert is free and requires creditors to verify your identity before issuing new credit.
- Monitor financial accounts closely for unauthorized charges over the following weeks.
- Change passwords for any accounts sharing the same email and password combination used elsewhere.
- Report the USPS scam text — instructions below.
How to Report a USPS Scam
- Forward to 7726 (SPAM) — reports the USPS scam text to your carrier and triggers automatic review of the sending number.
- USPS Postal Inspection Service — report at postalinspectors.uspis.gov or call 1-877-876-2455. Include the sender's phone number, the link, and a screenshot.
- FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov — file a detailed complaint including the text content, any URLs, and whether you suffered a financial loss.
- FBI IC3 at ic3.gov — essential if you experienced a financial loss. Provide all details including payment references and the scam domain.
- Report the domain to Google Safe Browsing at safebrowsing.google.com/safebrowsing/report_phish to accelerate browser-level blocking of the fake site.
How ScamShield Check Analyzes Suspicious USPS Messages
If you received a USPS text or email and are unsure whether it is real, ScamShield Check can analyze it in seconds — free, no sign-up required. Copy the full text of the USPS message (including any links, fee amounts, tracking numbers, and sender details) and paste it into the checker. ScamShield Check scans for:
- USPS impersonation patterns and delivery scam language templates
- Fake tracking number signals — numbers that do not match USPS format conventions
- Payment harvesting language common to USPS smishing campaigns
- Suspicious domain patterns — any link that is not usps.com
- Urgency and pressure tactics designed to suppress scrutiny
- USPS phishing email indicators including spoofed sender addresses
You receive an instant risk score with a plain-language explanation of what was detected. No personal data is stored. Getting an objective second opinion takes 10 seconds and could prevent a serious financial loss.
How to Protect Yourself from USPS Scams Long-Term
- Set up USPS Informed Delivery — a free official service at usps.com that emails you daily previews of incoming mail and package updates. When you know exactly what is coming, any unexpected USPS scam text immediately stands out.
- Never click links in unsolicited delivery texts regardless of urgency. Always go directly to usps.com in your browser.
- Enable spam filtering on your phone. Both iOS and Android have built-in options to filter messages from unknown senders.
- Use a virtual card number for online shopping to limit damage if card details are ever captured.
- Set up account alerts on all financial accounts to get notified immediately of any purchase or transfer.
Other Scams to Watch For
People researching this scam also check these related pages.
UPS Scam Checker
Detect fake UPS delivery texts and phishing emails.
Check NowFedEx Scam Checker
Identify fraudulent FedEx delivery notifications and scams.
Check NowDHL Scam Checker
Spot fake DHL delivery alerts and smishing messages.
Check NowPurolator Scam Checker
Check suspicious Purolator delivery messages for fraud.
Check NowCanada Post Text Scam
Identify fraudulent Canada Post delivery text messages.
Check NowUPS Text Scam
Recognize fake UPS delivery text messages and smishing.
Check NowFedEx Text Scam
Identify fraudulent FedEx text alerts and delivery scams.
Check NowDHL Text Scam
Detect fake DHL SMS messages and package delivery scams.
Check NowFrequently Asked Questions
Is this USPS text real?
Almost certainly not — if it arrived unsolicited. USPS text alerts are opt-in only. If you never enrolled at usps.com, any USPS text you receive is almost certainly a USPS scam. To verify, type usps.com directly into your browser and enter the tracking number from the text. If it returns no results, the message is fraudulent. Never use the link in the text itself.
Does USPS text customers about packages?
USPS offers a legitimate text notification service, but only if you opted in through your USPS account or requested it when scheduling a delivery. Real USPS texts come from a 5–6 digit short code — never from a standard 10-digit phone number. Unsolicited USPS text messages requesting payment or asking you to click a link are USPS text scams.
What happens if I clicked a USPS scam link?
If you clicked but entered nothing, close the tab and run a security scan. If you entered card details, contact your bank immediately to cancel the card. If you entered personal information (name, address, date of birth), place a fraud alert with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Change passwords for any accounts using the same credentials you entered on the fake site.
How do I report a USPS scam?
Forward the USPS scam text to 7726 (SPAM). File a complaint with the USPS Postal Inspection Service at postalinspectors.uspis.gov or call 1-877-876-2455. Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If you suffered a financial loss, file with the FBI's IC3 at ic3.gov. Report the scam domain to Google Safe Browsing to accelerate browser-level blocking.
Can ScamShield Check detect USPS scams?
Yes. Copy the full text of any suspicious USPS message — including links, fee amounts, tracking numbers, and urgency language — and paste it into ScamShield Check. The tool scans for USPS impersonation patterns, fake tracking numbers, payment-harvesting language, USPS smishing indicators, and suspicious domain patterns. You receive an instant risk score. Free, no sign-up required.
What does a fake USPS text look like?
Fake USPS texts typically claim a package could not be delivered, is being held, or requires a small redelivery fee (often under $1). They include a link to a fake USPS website using a look-alike domain. Common examples: "USPS: Your package has been held. Update delivery preferences within 24 hours: [link]" or "USPS: A $0.30 redelivery fee is required. Confirm your address: [link]."
What is USPS smishing?
USPS smishing is SMS phishing that impersonates the United States Postal Service. Victims receive a fake USPS text claiming a package has a delivery issue and must click a link to resolve it. The link leads to a fake USPS website that steals personal and payment details. The FBI's IC3 receives tens of thousands of USPS smishing complaints annually.
How can I tell if a USPS link is real or fake?
The only legitimate USPS website is usps.com. Any domain that is not exactly usps.com is fraudulent — including ones that start with "usps.com." as a subdomain trick (e.g., usps.com.parcel-tracking.xyz). Always check the full domain in your browser's address bar, not just the beginning of the URL.