High riskDelivery & Postal Scams

USPS Text Scam

This scam sends a fake USPS message about a missed delivery or an address that needs confirming, with a link to a phishing page that collects your card and personal details, sometimes after a small redelivery fee.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Delivery impersonation scam
Main red flag
An unexpected USPS text asking you to confirm your address or pay a small fee through a link.
What to do first
Do not tap the link. Check any parcel using the official USPS website or app with the tracking number you were given when you ordered.

What this scam usually looks like

This scam sends a fake USPS message about a missed delivery or an address that needs confirming, with a link to a phishing page that collects your card and personal details, sometimes after a small redelivery fee.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'USPS: We could not deliver your package because the address is incomplete. Please confirm your details within 24 hours: [suspicious link]'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • A delivery text arriving when you are not expecting a parcel, or with no tracking number you recognise
  • A request to 'confirm your address' or pay a small redelivery or handling fee
  • A link that does not lead to the official usps.com domain
  • Pressure to act within a short window such as 12 or 24 hours
  • A request for card or personal details to release or reschedule the parcel

What to do

  • Do not tap the link or enter any details
  • Look up your tracking number directly on the official USPS website or app
  • Report the message by forwarding it to USPS at the address on its official site and to your mobile provider's spam service
  • Delete the message and block the sender

If you already clicked or replied

  • Stop and do not enter any further information on the page
  • If you typed card details, contact your bank or card issuer to flag or freeze the card
  • Change the password on any account where you reused that login
  • Watch your statements closely for charges you do not recognise

What not to do

  • Do not reply to the message or call any number it gives
  • Do not share any verification or one-time codes
  • Do not install an app the link suggests you need

Similar scams

High risk Delivery

UPS Text Scam

This scam sends a fake UPS message claiming a delivery failed or that your address is needed, with a link to pay a small fee or confirm details on a fake page that harvests your card and personal information.
High risk Delivery

Fake Delivery Text Scam

This scam impersonates a courier with a missed-delivery text and a link to a fake page that asks for a fee or your personal and card details.
High risk Delivery

Fake Customs Fee Text

This scam texts that a parcel is held in customs and a fee is due, linking to a fake page that collects your card and personal details.

Frequently asked questions

Does USPS send texts asking for a fee or my address?
Genuine USPS only sends texts if you have signed up for tracking alerts, and it does not ask for payment or personal details through a text link. An unexpected fee or address request is a common scam pattern.
I am expecting a parcel, so could the text be real?
Scammers rely on this. Even when you are expecting something, check the tracking number on the official USPS site rather than using the link in the message.
What should I do if I already paid the fee?
Contact your bank straight away to report the payment and protect your card. Acting quickly improves the chance the charge can be stopped or disputed.
How can I report a USPS text scam?
You can forward the message to USPS through its official fraud reporting address, report it to your mobile provider, and notify your national anti-fraud centre.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.