There’s always something exciting about expecting a delivery from the United States Postal Service (USPS). However, there’s a lot that can go wrong too, like bad weather, delivery delays, or a botched address. Today we’re looking at the last of these and the way scammers exploit it through “smishing” to steal your personal or financial information. In this article, we’ll be exploring fake USPS package texts.
Anatomy of the Scam
One day, you receive a text message claiming to be from USPS that your package is ready for delivery, but the address is incomplete or not updated. So, the package will be returned to the depot unless you update your address through the conveniently placed hyperlink.
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You’re either not sure who’s sending you a package, or you’re actually expecting one, and you’re desperate for what you’ve ordered to get to your door. So you follow the link to a legitimate-looking USPS portal and enter the required details, which might include your address, or your Social Security number, or banking details (for any “fines”).
You never get that package, but the scammers on the other end get what they’re after – your personal data.
USPS Smishing
It makes sense for there to be a lot of scams revolving around the USPS. Almost everyone will use or receive mail and packages at some point. For scammers, it provides a higher chance of success. Odds are good there might be a package a victim is waiting for, or a business owner used to receiving a lot of deliveries.
USPS is no stranger to text message scamming, or “smishing.” There are plenty of attempts to con victims out of personal details through various approaches: unpaid postage, incorrect addresses, or outstanding fees. The “Address Update” scam is just the latest iteration, and certainly won’t be the last.
The data stolen from victims can be used to commit further financial fraud and other crimes. Depending on what’s taken, the crimes will vary. The key to stopping this fraud is to arm yourself with knowledge.
Protecting Yourself From Fake USPS Package Texts
You may continue to receive fake USPS texts, but you can protect yourself against them. Here are a few solid ways:
- Beware the urgency – Perhaps the biggest indicator of a scam is the threat of action. Your account will be terminated, your package will be returned, you will face legal action for not paying. All this serves to push you towards an emotional response rather than a rational one. An organization like the USPS will never be this dramatic in its messaging.
- Know how the USPS works – The Postal Service offers several free ways to track mail. You can use USPS Tracking online, and you can request text or email updates when you have the tracking number. More importantly, USPS will not send you tracking texts unless you’ve first requested the service for a specific package.
- Don’t trust any links – The USPS will never send any links with its text messages. No matter how legitimate the text message appears, don’t follow any link provided. Rather, go to the USPS site directly and track any packages tied to your account there.
Reporting the Scam
Whether you’ve fallen victim to this smishing attack or have just received the message, it’s important to report it so others won’t fall victim and the USPS is made aware. You can:
- Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) and report the fraud to the FTC at ftc.gov.
- Send the text along with any details and a screenshot showing the sender's phone number and the date sent to [email protected].
Be sure to include as much information as possible to help the authorities out.
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When my sweet old grandmother got caught up in an Amazon gift card scam, I decided then and there that I needed to do whatever I could to inform as many people as possible about the grifters of the world. That’s what I do here – writing about modern scams so you don’t get caught out.
