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

USPS Scam Text - Update Address Information
USPS Scam Text - Update Address Information

If you have received the text message below, which claims to be from USPS, about a missing home number, do not click the link in it because it is a phishing 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 Text Scam Message

“Hi, this is Ethan with USPS. I have your package on today's route. While checking the shipping label before delivery, I noticed it only lists the street name and is missing the house number. Update the address information using the link below so I can locate the correct delivery address.

http//usps zhrie shop

Important: Please do not text your address directly. Address updates must be submitted through the website so tracking can update properly. Once updated, I’ll retry delivery as soon as possible. Thank you.”

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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