USPS Text Message Scams: How to Spot, Report, and Protect Yourself

Fake delivery texts are everywhere. Here is how to separate real USPS updates from phishing attempts and keep your identity and money safe

Package notifications by text can be convenient, but they are also a favorite tool for scammers. Across the country, criminals are sending fake USPS delivery messages that try to trick you into clicking a link, paying a bogus fee, or entering personal information. Some links lead to convincing lookalike sites that harvest credit card numbers and passwords. Others try to install malicious software on your phone. This guide explains how these scams work, which red flags to watch for, how to verify real USPS tracking, and the best steps to take if you clicked or shared information. North Carolina resources are included where they add value for residents.

How the scam typically unfolds

The message arrives out of the blue and claims there is a delivery problem or a package on hold that needs your confirmation. The text includes a link to resolve the issue quickly. The link often leads to a website that looks very similar to USPS but the address is off by a letter or uses a strange domain. The site prompts for details like your name, address, card number, or account login. Sometimes the page requests a small redelivery fee to make the theft feel normal. In other cases the link attempts to install malware that can read text messages or capture keystrokes. Either outcome puts your identity, money, and device at risk.

What real USPS texts look like

USPS will not ask for personal information or payment by text. Real tracking updates are sent only if you actively sign up for them and they direct you back to pages on usps.com. If you did not enroll, treat any message about a package as suspicious. To check any shipment, bypass the text and go directly to USPS Tracking in your browser, then enter the tracking number printed on your receipt or in the original purchase confirmation from the retailer. That independent check is the safest way to confirm whether a delivery notice is legitimate.

Red flags that signal a scam

Most fake texts share telltale signs. If you see any of the following, assume it is fraudulent and do not engage.

• Unexpected delivery notice, especially when you are not expecting a package
• Pressure to act quickly, such as claims your package will be returned within 24 hours
• Odd links or shortened URLs that do not clearly point to usps.com or uspis.gov
• Requests for payment, credit card details, Social Security number, or account passwords
• Typos, awkward phrasing, or generic greetings instead of your name

What to do the moment a suspicious text arrives

• Do not click links and do not reply
• Take a screenshot for your records in case you need to report it
• Forward the message to 7726 to alert your carrier to spam texts
• Report the scam to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service through USPIS tips and prevention
• Report to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov
• Block the sender and then delete the message after reporting

If you clicked the link or entered information

Act quickly to limit damage. The sooner you cut off access, the better your odds of avoiding loss.

• Disconnect from Wi‑Fi and mobile data while you evaluate the device
• Run a reputable mobile security or antivirus scan and remove anything flagged
• Change passwords for email, banking, and any accounts that reuse the same or similar credentials
• Turn on two-factor authentication for important accounts using an authenticator app when available
• Contact your bank or card issuer to monitor transactions and replace any compromised cards
• Consider a free credit freeze with the three nationwide bureaus to prevent new account fraud

North Carolina specific help

North Carolinians can get additional support from the state Attorney General. The Consumer Protection Division can help you spot patterns, respond to fraud, and coordinate complaints with federal partners when appropriate.

• North Carolina Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division: ncdoj.gov/consumer or 1-877-566-7226
• File identity theft reports and learn your rights under the North Carolina Identity Theft Protection Act, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 75‑61 et seq.
• If a business mishandled your data or you paid a fraudulent fee, include documentation like screenshots, receipts, and bank notices when you file

How to verify any USPS message safely

Verification is simple and it protects you from most phishing tactics. Use these habits for every delivery message.

• Do not click links in texts. Navigate directly to usps.com in your browser
• Check the full web address if you land on a USPS page from email or text. Scammers often swap letters or add extra words to mimic official sites
• Confirm shipments inside retailer accounts such as Amazon, Target, or Walmart since they display the same tracking information without outside links
• Enroll in USPS tracking alerts only through your USPS account or retailer checkout, never through a text link

Phone settings and carrier tools that reduce risk

Modern smartphones and carriers offer filters that automatically block known scam sources. Turning these features on makes a measurable difference.

• Enable built-in spam call and text filtering in iOS or Android settings
• Use your carrier’s free filtering app if available, then tighten settings to block unknown senders
• Keep your phone’s operating system and apps updated to patch known vulnerabilities
• Back up your device regularly so you can reset quickly if malware is suspected

Small fees, big losses

Many postal-themed scams ask for a small payment that looks harmless, such as a redelivery fee of $1.95. The amount is small on purpose because it lowers your guard and allows the site to capture card details. That card may later be used for test charges, followed by larger amounts. Monitor accounts closely for any unfamiliar transactions, even those under $5, since they can indicate a card is being probed. If you see anything off, contact your issuer immediately to dispute and replace the card.

Protect your identity long term

Strong security habits reduce the odds that one bad tap turns into a lasting problem. Use a password manager to create unique, long passwords. Turn on two-factor authentication for email, financial accounts, and cloud storage. Review account recovery options and remove old phone numbers or backup emails you no longer control. Check your credit reports at least annually. Consider freezing credit proactively if you rarely apply for new accounts. These steps take a few minutes now and can save hours of cleanup later.

Where to learn more

For trusted guidance, rely on official sources rather than social posts or random advice threads. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service publishes current scam trends and prevention tips. The Federal Trade Commission maintains clear reporting instructions and recovery steps. For aviation and international mail standards context, you can also consult the ICAO site for global transport frameworks, though consumer reporting should remain with domestic agencies like USPIS and the FTC for these scams.