--- title: "USPS scam texts: how to spot a fake | TapSafely" url: https://tapsafely.com/scams/usps-scam-texts source: TapSafely description: "Is that USPS message real? The warning signs, USPS's real websites, how to check safely and where to report a fake." --- [Home](https://tapsafely.com/)/[Scam guides](https://tapsafely.com/scams/)/[Brand scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/brands)/ USPS # USPS scam texts: how to spot a fake Scammers copy USPS because millions of people use it. Here's how to tell a fake USPS message from a real one, and what to do if you already clicked. By the TapSafely editorial team · Updated 16 September 2026 ## In short USPS says it will not send you texts or emails unless you first asked for updates using a tracking number, and those messages will not contain a link. Genuine USPS text tracking uses a short code that you start yourself. **Most common fake:** Package on hold because of an incomplete address, with a link to update it. **Safest check:** Type usps.com into your browser yourself and enter your tracking number there. Example · fake USPS message · Illustrative, links disabled USPS: Your package is on hold due to an incomplete address. Update your details within 24 hours or it will be returned: usps-redelivery[.]top/update An example fake USPS message with the warning signs highlighted. ## What USPS says USPS says it will not send you texts or emails unless you first asked for updates using a tracking number, and those messages will not contain a link. Genuine USPS text tracking uses a short code that you start yourself. Source: [U.S. Postal Inspection Service](https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/smishing-package-tracking-text-scams) ## Common fake USPS messages - Package on hold because of an incomplete address, with a link to update it - Unpaid postage or redelivery fee payment link - Missed delivery notice asking you to click to reschedule - Request to update shipping preferences - Fake USPS page asking for card number, PIN or Social Security number ## USPS's real web addresses Genuine USPS links and emails use these domains. Look at the part just before the first single slash: **usps.com** is real, but **usps-support-center.com** or **usps.com.account-check.top** are not. - **usps.com** - **uspis.gov** Scammers can also hide a fake link behind real-looking text. [Learn how to read a web address](https://tapsafely.com/scams/phishing-links). ## How to check a USPS message safely 1. Type usps.com into your browser yourself and enter your tracking number there 2. If you did not request tracking for a package, ignore the text 3. Check shipping and tracking details with the retailer or account you ordered from 4. For tracking by text, send your tracking number to 28777 (2USPS) yourself ## How to report a fake USPS message - Email USPS-related scam texts to the US Postal Inspection Service at spam@uspis.gov, with a screenshot showing the sender number and date. [Official details on uspis.gov](https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/smishing-package-tracking-text-scams) - Forward the scam text to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your mobile carrier. [Official details on uspis.gov](https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/smishing-package-tracking-text-scams) - Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. [Official details on consumer.ftc.gov](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/think-text-message-usps-it-could-be-scam) Also report it to the official fraud service in your country. [See the worldwide list](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed#where-to-report). ## If you clicked, paid or shared details ### Act quickly. It makes a difference. 1. If you entered card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card, and ask them to block the card. 2. If you entered a password, change it on the real USPS website or app and turn on two-step verification. 3. Expect follow-up calls or messages pretending to help. Never share one-time codes or move money to a "safe account". 4. Report the scam, then delete the message. More help: [Fake delivery texts and customs-fee scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/fake-delivery-texts) and [what to do after a scam](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed). ## Questions people ask Does USPS send messages asking for payment or personal details? USPS says it will not send you texts or emails unless you first asked for updates using a tracking number, and those messages will not contain a link. Genuine USPS text tracking uses a short code that you start yourself. How can I check if a USPS message is real? Type usps.com into your browser yourself and enter your tracking number there. If you did not request tracking for a package, ignore the text. Check shipping and tracking details with the retailer or account you ordered from. For tracking by text, send your tracking number to 28777 (2USPS) yourself. How do I report a fake USPS message? Email USPS-related scam texts to the US Postal Inspection Service at spam@uspis.gov, with a screenshot showing the sender number and date. Forward the scam text to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your mobile carrier. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. I clicked a link in a fake USPS message. What should I do? Don't enter anything else. If you typed card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card. If you entered a password, change it on the real website and turn on two-step verification. Then report the message and delete it. ## Official sources and further reading We check our pages against official advice from the organisations themselves and from government agencies. - [Smishing](https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/smishing-package-tracking-text-scams) (U.S. Postal Inspection Service) - [Think that text message is from USPS? It could be a scam](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/think-text-message-usps-it-could-be-scam) (Federal Trade Commission) - [Text Tracking FAQs](https://www.usps.com/text-tracking/welcome.htm) (USPS) ### Got a message like this? Paste the message or link Check it free ### Still unsure? Describe what happened and our AI assistant will help, in any language. Ask TapSafely ### Seen this scam? Your report helps warn people in your area. [Report it](https://tapsafely.com/report) ### Free check tools - [Link checker](https://tapsafely.com/link-checker) - [QR code checker](https://tapsafely.com/qr-code-checker) - [Screenshot checker](https://tapsafely.com/screenshot-scam-checker) - [Scam glossary](https://tapsafely.com/scam-glossary) ## Related [Guide ### Fake delivery texts and customs-fee scams Got a text saying your parcel is on hold until you pay a small fee? 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