What Is the USPS Scam?

“Your package is on its way!”

It’s hard not to get excited when the United States Postal Service (USPS) sends updates like this. But what should you do if you get text messages from USPS asking for a payment for missed deliveries?

This is just one of the signs of the USPS scam. It’s a form of smishing (SMS phishing). The message includes fake links that take you to a website that steals your personally identifiable information. That’s why we’ve created this guide to teach you how to spot these scams, protect yourself online and report them to the proper authorities.

Here’s everything you need to know.

The USPS Scam Explained

The USPS scam usually arrives by text message or email. It consists of an alleged update on a delivery and requests more personal information from you to complete the transaction.

The website link within the message is the first sign that it’s a scam. The USPS never sends messages directing you to a website. Clicking on it will take you to a scam page that looks like the USPS website but requests personal information and payment details.

>> Learn More: Recognizing Phishing Attempts

Examples of the USPS Scam

There are a few different versions of the USPS scam. Here are the ones to look out for.

How to Spot a USPS Text Scam

We’ve already mentioned one sign that the USPS message you’ve received is a scam. But there are some other red flags to look out for, such as:

• Spelling and grammar errors: The USPS uses professional language when sending correspondence. So, if you notice basic spelling mistakes or commas in the wrong place, it’s likely a scam.
• References to large sums of money: The USPS will never tell you that you’ve been sent a large money order or check, especially via text message. Feel free to ignore these, no matter how high the dollar figure is.
• Threats: If the USPS were going to take you to court or report you to law enforcement, they would call you. Delete any messages threatening you with prosecution for an undelivered package.
• Urgency: Another tactic scammers use is the race against time. You might only have 24 hours or three days to act before your package is returned to the original sender.
• Unusual tracking numbers: USPS tracking numbers feature 20 digits. It can also be a combination of 13 letters or numbers. For example, US 111 111 111 US. If it’s not in these formats, it’s a scam.
• Weird address formats: Like every letter or package from the USPS, your address will appear a certain way. If it looks different in the text message, it’s because it’s a scam.

What Could Happen?

So you’ve accidentally clicked on the link. We’re not going to lie to you; there are some consequences when you open a fake USPS website. This is what can happen:

Identity Theft

The USPS scam is designed to take you to a fake page that asks for personally identifiable information. Scammers use the information you’ve entered to sell on the dark web, take out loans in your name, and create fake social media accounts to impersonate you to your friends and family.

>> Check Out: Best Identity Theft Protection 2024

Malware and Viruses

Within the link may be an automatic download of a virus. It is programmed to extract information from your system and destroy your data. There’s also a chance it could be ransomware. This is when scammers lock you out of your device unless you pay them a large sum.

>>Read More: Do You Still Need Antivirus Protection Software in 2024?

Money Losses

If you’ve entered credit card information or bank account details to pay for the redelivery fees, you’ve given scammers access to your finances. They may use them to make purchases for themselves or attempt to take out lines of credit in your name.

How You Can Protect Yourself

If you get a call, text message or email claiming to be from USPS, there are precautionary measures you can take to avoid being scammed.

• Don’t open attachments: Never click on suspicious links or open attachments from people or companies you don’t know. They may contain viruses, or malware or take you to websites designed to steal your personal information.
• Block spam numbers: Whenever you receive a spam call or text message, block the number on your phone. It should stop or reduce the number of scam attempts.
• Never reply: Don’t answer scam calls or reply to messages. It lets the scammer know the phone number is active, and they will continue to harass you.
• Turn on spam detection: iPhones and Androids have options to detect spam calls. They can immediately block them or notify you that the number is suspicious before answering the call or receiving a message.
• Install antivirus software: If you click on a link, antivirus software can stop the connection and warn you about scams and fraud before continuing. The database automatically updates to stay ahead of the latest USPS scams.
• Get identity theft protection: If someone steals your personal information, you can use identity theft protection services to lock your credit file, scan the dark web for your details and minimize the damage caused by scammers.

How to Report a USPS Scam

Reporting any USPS scams can help protect other people who receive these messages, emails, or phone calls. We recommend doing the following:

• Email the USPS at spam@uspis.gov.
• Forward the text message to 7726.
• Send the details to the Federal Trade Commission.
• Contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

How to Defend Yourself From Scams

According to the FBI, more than 298,000 complaints were filed about phishing scams in 2023.3 It made up 34 percent of all complaints reported. It shows that scammers are getting more creative about trying to steal your personal information and your money.

It can be challenging to stay up to date with these new approaches. That’s why we rely on tools like antivirus software and the best identity theft protection services to keep us safe online. We don’t have to stress about clicking on the wrong link, downloading suspicious files, or having our identity stolen. These services update themselves so we can enjoy the contents of the real packages we have delivered.

>> Up Next: How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft