Delivery scams were the most popular type of text scam during the first half of 2023, as they dwarfed the second-place bank scams by more than triple (1.1 billion delivery scams to 363 million bank scams). In that time, Americans lost an estimated $13 billion to text scams and $46 billion to phone scams as a whole.
United States Postal Service (USPS) scams are a type of delivery scam in which the fraudster claims to be from the post office in order to steal sensitive personal and financial information from their targets. When successful, these schemes leave victims with drained bank accounts, stolen identities, and long-term psychological trauma. That’s why it’s vital to understand how to reduce your risk and protect yourself from this type of fraud.
Keep reading for a deep dive into what USPS scams are and how you can protect yourself and your family from phone fraud.
Many United States Postal Service (USPS) scams follow the same basic steps:
The information you reveal is impossible to get back, and the assets you lose as a result may be difficult to recover. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee you’ll even get your money back..
Unless you’ve initiated a tracking request, the USPS will not contact you about a package delivery. You will only receive a legitimate tracking message if you have opted in to receive tracking updates and input a tracking number.
The USPS has stated they do not:
If you receive a call or message claiming to be from the USPS, but you didn’t initiate contact, it’s a scam. If you get a text with a link from someone posing as the USPS, do not click it. Report scam calls and texts (we’ll discuss how below) and block any number that sends them.
USPS text scams are a serious threat to people’s privacy, security, and financial stability. Smishing scams use disguises, pressure, and other social engineering tactics to trick targets into revealing private information. Learn how to identify text scams like these and reduce your risk for fraud.
In USPS tracking number scams, fraudsters posing as the USPS text you a phony order confirmation with a supposed tracking link. The package doesn’t exist, however, and the link may download malware onto your device. It may also send you to a fake website that asks for your login credentials and other personal information, which the scammer steals and uses to hack into your personal and financial accounts.
Only trust the tracking number you’re given at checkout or through official USPS communications. The scammer may have given you a fake or invalid number, which you can check using the USPS online tracking tool. Always copy and paste the number into the official tool — never click the link in a message that claims to be from the USPS.
In some scams, the fraudster pretends your package couldn’t be delivered because of an issue with the shipping address. They’ll send a text that claims the address was unclear or the driver was unable to find it, requesting that you follow the included link to verify your address and schedule a redelivery or pickup time. As usual, the link sends you to a spoofed website designed to imitate the real USPS but steal your information.
The real USPS doesn’t text customers about failed deliveries, and the texts they do send don’t include links. If you haven’t signed up for tracking updates, you won’t receive text messages from the post office at all.
Some USPS package delivery scams start with a text regarding an unclaimed package at the post office, blaming an illegible shipping address or lack of a recipient to accept the delivery. Sometimes, the scammer doesn’t give a reason for the unclaimed package at all. The text includes a link where you can supposedly claim the package and schedule a new delivery or pickup time, but the link is malicious.
These scams tend to be more common during the holidays when consumers have more packages in transit and less time to keep track of their deliveries. In reality, the USPS doesn’t send unsolicited messages about unclaimed packages.
USPS text scams come in various forms, and each can have severe consequences. Many USPS scams use different mediums entirely. Be wary of USPS phishing emails and call scams that target your personal information and compromise your privacy. In the fight against spam and scams, it’s crucial to stay protected from all angles.
Like all forms of phone fraud, USPS scams tend to include a few warning signs. Exercise caution if you get a call, text, or email that shows any of the red flags below.
Recognizing USPS tracking scams is critical, but it’s equally critical to know how to react. By following the steps below, you can help protect yourself from USPS scams and even prevent them from reaching your phone.
Scammers impersonate a range of businesses and services across many different industries. In fact, the USPS isn’t even the only disguise used for delivery scams in particular. Remain alert if you get an unexpected call or text claiming to be from:
By the time you realize you’ve fallen victim to a USPS scam, the criminal may have already accessed your accounts. Fortunately, there are ways to secure your data, protect your finances, and minimize potential harm.
USPS scams can have devastating consequences. However, the support of an award-winning spam-blocking app like Robokiller bolsters your defenses and helps you stay safe from spam calls, scam texts, and hazardous phone fraud.
Robokiller’s comprehensive features contribute to an impressive resume that includes:
Protect your money, privacy, and peace of mind by blocking dangerous scam calls and texts. Start your free 7-day Robokiller trial today.
USPS scams are a type of fraud in which the scammer poses as the United States Postal Service. They are often done via email, phone call, or text message, and they typically involve fake delivery issues or phony tracking details. The goal is to solicit your personal and/or financial information, which the fraudster can then sell on the dark web or use to hack into your accounts. Scams like these cost Americans billions of dollars per year.
The USPS does text customers, but only those who have initiated contact. If you receive a text message claiming to be from the USPS but didn’t contact them first, it’s a fake. Report and delete the message without responding or clicking any links.
There are several ways to stop getting texts from USPS scammers, but one of the most reliable is by downloading a dedicated spam-blocking app. Robokiller intercepts and blocks 99% of unwanted scam calls and texts before they ring your phone.
