USPS Scam Alert
How to Identify, Avoid, and Report Fraudulent USPS Messages
With over 160 million delivery points across the United States and billions of packages and letters processed annually, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is one of the most trusted institutions in the country. Unfortunately, that trust has made it a prime target for cybercriminals and scammers. From fake tracking updates to phishing emails, USPS scams are becoming more convincing, widespread, and costly than ever before.
In recent years, USPS-related fraud has surged as scammers leverage the increasing reliance on online shopping and package delivery. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), delivery scams now rank among the top 10 reported types of online fraud. These scams not only target individuals but also small businesses, online retailers, and the elderly.
This comprehensive guide will explore:
The latest USPS scam tactics used by cybercriminals
How to identify red flags in suspicious messages
What steps you can take to protect your personal information
How to report USPS scams to the proper authorities
Let’s break down everything you need to know to keep your identity, money, and peace of mind safe.
What Is a USPS Scam?
A USPS scam is a form of phishing or fraud that impersonates the United States Postal Service in order to steal personal data, financial information, or even install malware. These scams can arrive via:
Text messages (smishing)
Emails (phishing)
Fake phone calls (vishing)
Bogus USPS websites
QR codes placed on fake notices or phishing ads
The criminals behind these scams are often sophisticated. They use logos, language, and designs that look nearly identical to official USPS communications. But there’s always a telltale sign – and knowing what to look for is your first defense.
The Most Common USPS Scam Tactics in 2025
1. Fake Tracking Text Messages (Smishing)
This scam involves a fraudulent text message pretending to update you about a USPS package. These messages usually contain a link to a fake website asking for personal information, payment for redelivery, or an address confirmation.
Example Text:
“USPS: Your package has been delayed due to an incomplete address. Click here to update: [malicious link]”
Why It Works:
It creates urgency
It appears on your phone just like any real text
It preys on people who frequently order packages online
How to Detect It:
The message uses strange or unofficial URLs
It includes grammatical errors or awkward phrasing
You weren't expecting a package
USPS does not send package tracking via unsolicited texts without prior sign-up
2. Phishing Emails Pretending to Be USPS
These emails mimic real USPS correspondence and may claim your package is being held or that there's an issue with delivery. They often include malicious links or PDF attachments with malware.
Common Subject Lines:
“Package Delivery Failure Notification”
“USPS Shipment Exception”
“Verify Your Shipping Address”
What to Look Out For:
Emails from addresses like @usps.support.com or @uspsdelivery.net (USPS uses @usps.gov)
Emails that ask for Social Security numbers, payment info, or login credentials
Clicking a link brings you to a site that asks you to “log in” to USPS
3. Phone Call Scams (Vishing)
Scammers posing as USPS officials might call you with claims such as:
You're under investigation for mail fraud
There’s a delivery error requiring payment
Your identity was used to ship illegal goods
They may even spoof a real USPS number or use AI-generated voices to sound official.
Red Flags:
Threats of legal action or arrest
Demands for immediate payment or personal information
Requests for payment via gift cards, PayPal, Venmo, or crypto
Pressure not to tell anyone or hang up
Remember: USPS does not call you to threaten legal action or demand payments.
4. Fake USPS Websites
Cybercriminals clone official-looking websites that mirror the real USPS interface. These fake portals collect your:
Full name and address
Phone number
Credit card details
USPS login credentials
Often, they claim you need to pay a “redelivery fee” or verify your account. These sites may rank on Google or appear in text/email links.
Always Check:
Real USPS domains end in “.gov”, like:👉
https://www.usps.com👉
https://informeddelivery.usps.com
Beware of domains like usps-track-package.com or usps-alerts.com
Who Are the Primary Targets?
While anyone can fall victim, USPS scams commonly target:
👴 Senior citizens unfamiliar with phishing tactics📦 Online shoppers expecting packages🏢 Small business owners who ship and receive goods regularly📱 Mobile users who react quickly to texts💻 Employees using personal email at work
In some cases, scammers buy email lists from data breaches to target people they know are active shoppers or USPS users.
How to Protect Yourself From USPS Scams
Don’t click on unknown links in emails or texts – always verify manually at USPS.com
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your USPS and other accounts
Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery® to track real packages and receive verified updates
Keep your antivirus software updated – phishing attempts often include malware
Avoid providing personal information unless you’re 100% certain of the source
Use spam filters and fraud detection tools on your email and devices
Shred suspicious USPS notices or return them to your local post office
What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you think you’ve fallen victim to a USPS scam, take these steps immediately:
Step 1: Cut Off Communication
Block the scammer’s number or email and don’t reply further.
Step 2: Scan Your Device
If you clicked on a link or downloaded a file, run a full antivirus and malware scan immediately.
Step 3: Change Your Passwords
Update your USPS account, email, and banking passwords – and enable MFA.
Step 4: Report It
🔎 USPS Inspection Service: https://www.uspis.gov/report
🧑💻 FTC Complaint Assistant:
https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
🛡️ Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3):
https://www.ic3.gov/
📞 Call USPS Customer Service: 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777)
Step 5: Monitor Financial Accounts
Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card activity. Report any fraudulent charges immediately.
Real USPS Policy: What They Will Never Do
🚫 Ask for personal or financial info via email or text🚫 Request payment to release a package🚫 Threaten legal action over the phone🚫 Ask for login credentials or Social Security numbers
They will notify you through official channels if there's a delivery issue – typically through a paper notice or the Informed Delivery portal.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
USPS scams are evolving, but so can your awareness. By staying educated and skeptical of suspicious messages, you can avoid becoming a victim of this increasingly common form of fraud. Always trust your instincts. If something feels off, don’t click it. Don’t give out information. Verify through official channels like USPS.com or by visiting your local post office.
Need help getting secured? Contact Cybrvault Today!
Protect your business, your home, and your digital life with Cybrvault Cybersecurity, your trusted experts in:
• Security audits
• Business network protection
• Home cybersecurity
• Remote work security
• Incident response and forensics
🔐 Don’t wait for a breach, secure your life today!
Visit www.cybrvault.com/book-online to schedule your free consultation!
☎️ 305-988-9012 📧 info@cybrvault.com 🖥 www.cybrvault.com