Beware of USPS Scam Text Messages—Don't Click the Link

1. What Fake USPS Text Messages Look Like
2. What Happens If You Click the Link
3. How to Avoid Falling Victim to a USPS Text Scam
4. Genuine USPS Text Messages
5. What To Do If You Fall For a USPS Text Scam
6. Block Fake USPS Text Messages
7. Frequently Asked Questions

Fake United States Postal Service (USPS) text messages are being sent to trick people into clicking a link and entering their sensitive information. The key thing to remember here is that USPS does not send delivery notifications or tracking text messages unless you first request it.

Additionally, text messages from USPS do not contain any links.

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What Fake USPS Text Messages Look Like

There are several different versions of fake USPS text messages, including:

• Texts saying you have a delivery pending but need to confirm some details
• Vague messages about a pending delivery
• Texts saying your delivery will not be delivered unless you provide relevant details
• Notifications that delivery instructions have changed

Whatever the messaging, there will always be a link within the text you're directed to follow.

Fake: USPS Text Scam

Urgent notice for the USPS delivery 7F52s from 03/02/2022. Proceed to m3svc.info/4pDw2aBmeo

Fake: USPS Text Scam

[U.S.P.S]:There's a parcel that needs to be delivered for you but is pending an update. To update your preferences head to https://submit-delivery.com/forms

Fake: USPS Text Scam

USPS: the arranged delivery for the shipment 1z493848 got changed. Please confirm here: w5tvs.info/x93k498s

Fake: USPS Text Scam

[FREE MSG] USPS: We regret to inform you that your package that arrived on 02/14/2022 will be returned if you do not update your shipping information : https://rb.gy/7bkdj41

These text messages will give you a reason to click the link. Whether it's to update your shipping address or to get more information. You'll notice that some will try to alarm you, such as saying you'll be charged or they will return the delivery to the sender.

What Happens If You Click the Link

The general goal of this scam is to get you to enter your personal information on a fake USPS website. However, note that scams like this are constantly evolving, so there's no telling what the scammer's goal is.

After clicking the link, in most cases, you're taken to a fake USPS website that asks for your sensitive data. This could include your:

• Full name
• Address
• Phone number
• Date of birth
• Social Security number (SSN)
• Login credentials for your USPS account
• Credit card numbers
• Bank account information

The scammers will use this information to steal your identity and money and target you in other scams.

If you click the link, it's essential to exit immediately and NEVER enter your information onto the website. The best thing to do is avoid clicking the link entirely. In some cases, the link may install malware or a virus onto your device.

How to Avoid Falling Victim to a USPS Text Scam

If you receive a text message that seems like it's from USPS, the key is to avoid clicking any links. USPS text messages do not contain links!

Opening the text message itself should be harmless. The problem comes when you click the link and enter your information. If you receive a fake USPS text message, you can simply delete it (or report it first before deleting it).

If you click the link, exit that webpage immediately—DO NOT ENTER ANY INFORMATION ONTO THE WEBSITE.

Genuine USPS Text Messages

The only text messages you'll receive from USPS are ones you request. These are USPS text tracking updates that you initiate.

If you have a tracking number for a package that's on the way, you can text it to 28777 (2USPS), and you'll receive a reply from USPS with the latest tracking information.

You can also register online to receive text updates for individual tracking numbers. You'll then receive text message updates from USPS for different statuses you specify.

Note that none of these text tracking updates will include a link. Instead, it will consist of the delivery status only.

What To Do If You Fall For a USPS Text Scam

If you click on a fake USPS text link and enter your information, it's important to act quickly to minimize how much damage the scammer can cause. Identity theft can take years to recover from and result in thousands of dollars lost, so you must take immediate action.

• Report scam texts to [email protected]. Copy the body of the text message and paste it into an email. Also, include a screenshot of the text. Include as much information as possible, including whether you entered your information on the website or lost money.
• Change your password if you entered your USPS login credentials. You'll also want to change the password on any other of your online accounts that share the same login information.
• Alert your bank if you entered any financial information onto the fake website. Your bank may cancel your credit/debit cards so the scammer can't make fraudulent transactions.
• Place a fraud alert or freeze your credit if you entered your SSN onto the fake USPS website.
• Monitor your bank accounts and credit reports regularly. Dispute any fraudulent transactions with your bank and alert the credit bureaus if you notice any credit account that isn't yours on your credit report.

Block Fake USPS Text Messages

One way to limit your chances of falling for a USPS scam text is to enable spam blocking on your phone. Not only will this prevent postal service scam texts, but it will also stop any potential scam text messages, such as those impersonating your bank, Netflix, PayPal, and more.

To block scam texts (aka smishing attempts), you can:

• Download a spam blocking app
• Turn on the spam-blocking option within your messaging app (if you have that as an option)
• Check to see if your cell phone carrier offers a spam-blocking service that you can turn on
• Block spam phone numbers whenever you receive a scam text message (you should be able to do this within your messaging app)