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March 6th, 2025
The misuse of the United States Postal Service (USPS) for phishing scams has surged, jumping from 12th place to the top spot in brand abuse by early 2024.
Even though the USPS scam may seem obvious, it still traps victims daily. Like all phishing attempts, they prey on people’s trust in well-known institutions like the USPS. Scammers use these tactics to steal personal data, access financial accounts, or infect devices with malware.
A little awareness and a few smart online habits can go a long way in keeping you safe. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common USPS scams, how they work, and what you can do to avoid them.
How Do Scammers Use Fake USPS Texts?
USPS scams often begin with a fake text message claiming a delivery issue. The message may ask for personal details, request a redelivery fee, or include a link to a scam website. If you receive a USPS text like this and aren’t expecting a package, it’s likely a scam.
USPS Informed Delivery scams exploit the mail preview feature, which allows customers to see images of their incoming mail, reschedule deliveries, provide instructions, and track packages.
In these scams, fraudsters sign up for Informed Delivery using stolen personal details. They then monitor mail previews to intercept important documents, such as credit cards fraudulently opened in the victim’s name.
Common USPS Scam Examples
| Type of Scam | Example |
| Fake Tracking Notification Scam | “Your package is on hold due to an incorrect address. Update your details here: usps-tracking-update.com to avoid delays” |
| “Pay a Small Fee” Delivery Scam | “Your package cannot be delivered due to unpaid shipping fees of $2.50. Pay now to avoid return: usps-payment-secure.com.” |
| Fake USPS Job Scam | “We are hiring at USPS! Earn $25/hr with full benefits. Apply now by paying a $50 background check fee. Secure your job today!” |
| Change of Address Fraud | “Your change of address request has been processed successfully. If you did not request this, contact us immediately at 1-800-XXX-XXXX” |
| Stolen Mail & Fake USPS Employees | “USPS delivery attempt failed. Our worker will come to your door to verify your address and collect any undelivered mail.” |
| Suspended Package Scam | “Your USPS package has been suspended due to the contents of the package. Click this link to complete the safety declaration and reschedule your delivery.” |
Ways to Identify a USPS Phishing Message
The US Postal Service confirms that it will never request money, passwords, or personal information via email or text message. However, some scam emails appear convincing, making it easy for those unaware to fall for them.
Here are the key signs of a fake message:
Check the Sender’s Email Address
Look at the sender’s email in the “From:” field. USPS only uses emails that end in @usps.com or @uspis.gov. If the address has extra words or strange endings like .com.ru, it’s not real. Noticing these small details can help you avoid scams.
Watch for Bad Grammar and Spelling
USPS texts are carefully written and checked for mistakes. The message is likely fake if you see poor grammar, misspelled words, or odd punctuation. Scammers focus more on tricking people than making their emails look professional.
Claims About Large Sums of Money
USPS may have general information about a package for security reasons, but it does not track specific contents.
USPS or the postmaster general will never contact you about receiving a large check or money order. Messages like this are scams designed to lure you in with promises of big payouts.
Urgent or Threatening Language
Scammers use fear to force quick decisions. Messages that demand immediate action to prevent serious consequences are a red flag. USPS does not pressure customers or use scare tactics to get a response.
Fake Tracking Numbers
Scam emails often include a fake tracking number for a package that doesn’t exist. To check if it’s real, copy the number and verify it directly on the official USPS website. Never click on links in suspicious emails, especially if the tracking number itself is a clickable link.
Sender address formatting errors
The USPS uses a specific format for sender and receiver addresses. It could be a delivery scam if you’re given a sender address that doesn’t match, or your shipping address appears in the wrong format.
Suspicious links
Real USPS emails will invite you to go to the postal service website or app and log in to check details or track packages. They won’t usually include click-through links. You can also hover your mouse (carefully) over the links in an email to see where they lead. If the website looks suspicious and unofficial, don’t click on it.
Incorrect Sender Address Formatting
USPS follows a standard format for addresses. If a text message includes a sender address that looks unusual or has extra characters or your shipping address appears in a strange format, it’s likely a scam.
Unusual Links
Legitimate USPS messages direct you to visit their official website or app to check tracking details. They typically do not include clickable links.
If an email contains a link, hover over it to see where it leads. If the URL looks strange or unofficial, avoid clicking on it.
Risks of USPS Phishing Messages
USPS phishing scams are common and trick new victims every day. Just opening a fake message or clicking on a misleading link can lead to serious problems, such as:
Malware Attacks
Some scam messages contain links that install harmful software on your device when clicked. These viruses can steal or erase your data. In some cases, ransomware may lock your files, demanding payment before restoring access.
Identity Theft
Phishing scams often lead to fake websites that ask for personal details. Sharing personal information online can be risky, so it’s important to be careful.
While they may look real, these sites are designed to steal your information. Scammers can then use your identity to open bank accounts, take out loans, or apply for credit cards in your name.
Parcel Theft and Fraud
Scammers may try to gain access to your USPS account and change delivery details, redirecting your packages to a different address where they can steal them.
They may also use your shipping information for brushing scams, where they send unordered items to create fake sales and post reviews under your name.
Keeping your delivery address safe can help stop privacy breaches and package theft, which are becoming bigger problems as scammers get smarter, especially with phishing.
Financial Fraud
Many phishing scams are designed to steal money. A fake link may lead to a website that looks like your bank’s login page, tricking you into entering your credentials.
This gives scammers access to your account. They can also steal credit card details and use them for unauthorized purchases.
If you’re concerned about making safe payments online, taking precautions when shopping or paying bills can help protect your finances.
Anxiety and Loss of Trust
Having your personal information, finances, or data compromised can be overwhelming.
Victims often experience stress and frustration, and scams can make it harder to trust legitimate institutions, leading to a sense of insecurity when purchasing online.
How to Handle a USPS Scam Message?
If you get a suspicious text message that claims to be from USPS, it’s important to respond quickly and appropriately. Taking the right actions can help protect your personal information and fight against these scams.
Don’t Click on Suspicious Links
Never click on links in unexpected text messages, especially if they seem to be from USPS. These links might take you to fake websites that try to steal your information.
Delete the message right away to avoid accidentally clicking the link later. If you’re waiting for a package, check its status directly on the official USPS website or app.
Be careful if a message asks you to confirm your zip code or any other personal details. USPS will never ask for this information through text.
Report the Scam to Authorities
Reporting scam messages helps authorities stop fraud. Forward the suspicious text to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your mobile carrier.
Also, report the scam to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service by emailing the details to [email protected].
You can file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint. This helps them spot patterns and take action against scammers.
USPS Official Support
The United States Postal Service offers help for reporting and dealing with scams. You can contact them through their official website or customer service number.
For quick help, call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). Customer service can check if any USPS messages you’ve received are real.
Federal Trade Commission Guidance
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers helpful resources to help you spot and deal with text message scams.
Check out the FTC’s Consumer Information website for easy-to-follow guides on recognizing and avoiding fraud, including package delivery scams.
If you think you’ve encountered a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Get Help from a Search Specialist
A Search Specialist from Social Catfish can help spot fake USPS messages before they cause harm. They can track down the source in seconds and check if a website is linked to scams. This saves time, prevents fraud, and protects personal information.
