Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.
USPS Reschedule Delivery Scam Text and Email - Beware

The text or email you received about rescheduling a USPS delivery is a smishing scam (SMS phishing) designed to steal your personal and financial information. The United States Postal Service (USPS) does not send unsolicited text messages or emails regarding package deliveries.

How the Scam Works

  1. The Message: You receive a text or email claiming a delivery attempt failed, an address is incomplete, or a package is "on hold".
  2. The Link: It includes a link to "reschedule" or "update address".
  3. The Fee: Clicking the link leads to a fake website that looks like the official USPS site. It asks for a small "redelivery fee" (often less than $1) to trick you into entering your credit or debit card details.
  4. The Theft: Once you enter your card information, scammers use it for unauthorized charges. Even if the site says the transaction "failed," they have already captured your data.

Key Red Flags

  • Unsolicited Contact: USPS only sends texts if you specifically signed up for tracking alerts for a specific package.
  • Non-Official Links: Legitimate USPS links always end in usps.com/. Scammers use lookalike URLs like usps.addre.us or usp-delivery.com.
  • Request for Payment: USPS does not charge a fee for redelivery.
  • 10-Digit Sender: Real USPS texts come from a 5-digit short code (specifically 28777), not a standard 10-digit phone number or an email address.

If You Responded

  • Cancel Your Cards: If you entered payment information, immediately contact your bank to cancel the card and report the fraud.
  • Change Passwords: If you entered login credentials, change your passwords immediately, especially for any accounts using the same password.
  • Scan for Malware: Clicking the link may have installed malware. Run a security scan on your device.
  • Report the Scam:
    • Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM).
    • Email a screenshot of the message to spam@uspis.gov.
    • File a report at the FTC Fraud Reporting Page.
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