Scam Text From USPS - Beware

How to Spot the Scam

• Unsolicited Links: The USPS will not send you a text with a link unless you specifically signed up for tracking alerts for a specific package first.
• Requests for Payment or PII: Legitimate USPS notifications will never ask for personal information (like your Social Security number) or payment for redelivery fees via text.
• Suspicious URLs: Scammers use links that look similar to the official site but are not usps.com (e.g., usps-address-update.com or URLs ending in .top or .vip).
• Urgent Tone: Messages often use high-pressure language, such as "final notification" or "immediate action required," to trick you into acting without thinking.
• Strange Phone Numbers: Many of these texts come from non-US area codes (like +63 for the Philippines) or standard 10-digit mobile numbers rather than the 5-digit short codes USPS uses.

If You Received One

1. Do Not Click the Link: Clicking can lead to malicious websites that install malware or steal your credit card details.
2. Report the Scam:
   • Forward the text to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at spam@uspis.gov.
   • Report the fraud at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website.
3. Delete and Block: Delete the message immediately and block the sender's number.
4. Verify via Official Channels: If you are genuinely expecting a package, go directly to the official USPS website and type in your tracking number there.

If you already entered your card details on a suspicious site, contact your bank immediately to report the card as stolen and monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity.