USPS package delivery smishing texts and emails
Last verified:
Criminals send texts or emails claiming a USPS package could not be delivered, an address is incomplete, or a fee is owed. The messages are typically designed to steal payment details or personal information through fake tracking links. U.S. Postal Inspection Service guidance warns that unexpected delivery problem messages with links are a common smishing pattern — verify through usps.com rather than the message.
- Impersonated brand
- United States Postal Service (USPS)
- Scam type
- SMS phishing (smishing)
- Common delivery methods
- SMS / text message, Email
How this scam works
You receive an unexpected text or email that appears to be from USPS. It may say a package is on hold, delivery failed, or your address must be updated. The message often includes a link to reschedule delivery or pay a small redelivery fee. The link typically leads to a fake site that mimics USPS branding. Scammers may ask for card details, login information, or other personal data. Some versions use lookalike web addresses rather than official usps.com pages.
Warning signs
- A delivery problem text or email you did not request and did not sign up to track.
- A link asking you to update an address, reschedule delivery, or pay a redelivery fee.
- Sender details that do not match USPS official channels (for example, a random 10-digit number instead of a USPS short code you opted into).
- Urgent language pressuring immediate action.
- Requests for payment to release or redeliver a package.
- A tracking number or delivery notice you cannot connect to mail you are expecting.
How to verify safely
- Do not click links in the message.
- If you are expecting mail, open usps.com yourself or use the official USPS app — not a link from the message.
- USPS Text Tracking only applies when you have signed up for alerts on a specific tracking number you requested.
- Compare any web address with official USPS guidance: legitimate USPS sites use usps.com.
- If unsure, contact USPS using contact options listed on usps.com.
If you received this message
- Do not click links or reply with personal or payment information.
- Delete the message after reporting it.
- If a linked site looked convincing, paste the URL into Fraudly’s checker for an informational second opinion — not a guarantee.
If you already clicked or paid
- Contact your bank or card issuer immediately and explain you may have entered details on a fraudulent site.
- Follow your bank’s fraud guidance for disputed charges.
- Monitor accounts for unauthorized transactions.
- Keep screenshots of the message and any fake pages as evidence.
Official reporting guidance
- Forward USPS-related smishing to spam@uspis.gov (include a screenshot if possible).
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) on most U.S. carriers.
- Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- File with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov if you lost money or shared sensitive information.
Check a suspicious link
Paste a URL into Fraudly’s free checker for a structured trust review. Results are informational — not a guarantee.
Open free checkerAuthoritative sources
Fraudly resources
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Delivery scams change frequently. This alert describes impersonation of USPS — not every legitimate USPS tracking message is fraudulent. Fraudly provides informational guidance only and cannot guarantee whether a specific message or website is safe.
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