1-800-ASK-USPS Scam Spoofed Telephone Number - Beware

If you did not initiate contact, any unexpected call or text appearing to come from this number is a fraudulent phishing attempt.

How the Spoofing Scam Works

• The Unexpected Call: A scammer calls you pretending to be a postal employee or inspector. They often claim they intercepted a package containing contraband in your name or require personal information to complete a delivery. They will then try to trick you into revealing your Social Security number, banking details, or paying a fake fine.
• The Fake Delivery Text (Smishing): You receive a text message disguised as a tracking alert. It states that a package cannot be delivered due to an incorrect address or unpaid fee and demands you click a link.

Crucial Red Flags

• Demands for Personal Information: The real USPS will never call out of the blue to ask for your name, address, or financial details.
• Unsolicited Links: Authentic text tracking updates from the USPS are only sent if you manually register a tracking number, and they will never include web links. Legitimate automated texts originate only from the official 5-digit short code 28777.
• High Urgency: Scammers use high-pressure tactics or scary legal threats to force you into acting quickly before thinking.

What To Do Right Now

1. Hang Up Immediately: Do not press buttons, talk to the representative, or argue.
2. Never Click the Links: If you received a text message, do not click the link or reply.
3. Verify Independently: If you think there is a genuine issue with a shipment, exit the communication and manually navigate to the official USPS Tracking Tool or call the number back yourself.
4. Report the Fraud: Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your cellular provider. You should also send a screenshot of the message to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at spam@uspis.gov.