Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

USPS Text Scam - Package Delivery Temporarily Suspended
USPS Text Scam - Package Delivery Temporarily Suspended

If you receive a text message claiming to be from the USPS about a package temporarily suspended, it is a scam. The United States Postal Service (USPS) does not send unsolicited text messages and never includes links in their official texts. This type of fraud is known as "smishing" (SMS phishing).

The USPS Scam Text Message

USPS Scam Text Message

How to Spot the Scam

  • Unsolicited Links: The USPS never sends unsolicited text messages or emails. You only receive texts if you have actively signed up for tracking updates or Informed Delivery.
  • No Links in Real Messages: Real USPS text notifications do not contain clickable links or attachments.
  • 10-Digit Numbers: Scam messages often originate from regular 10-digit phone numbers, whereas legitimate postal alerts come from a 5-digit number (short code).

If You Receive a Scam Text

  1. Do not click on any links or attachments.
  2. Do not reply to the text (even just to ask them to stop), as this confirms your phone number to scammers.
  3. Delete the message immediately.
  4. Block the sender.

How to Verify and Report

  • Verify: If you are genuinely expecting a package, navigate directly to the official USPS website to check your tracking status.
  • Report: Forward the suspicious message to the number 7726 (SPAM) or email it directly to spam@uspis.gov.

What If You Already Clicked?

  • If you entered your credit card or bank details, call your financial institution immediately to cancel your card and report fraud.
  • If you provided sensitive personal information, consider placing a freeze on your credit through the major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to prevent identity theft.
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