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.
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
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.
How to check a USPS message safely
- 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 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
- Forward the scam text to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your mobile carrier. Official details on uspis.gov
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Official details on consumer.ftc.gov
Also report it to the official fraud service in your country. See the worldwide list.
If you clicked, paid or shared details
Act quickly. It makes a difference.
- If you entered card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card, and ask them to block the card.
- If you entered a password, change it on the real USPS website or app and turn on two-step verification.
- Expect follow-up calls or messages pretending to help. Never share one-time codes or move money to a "safe account".
- Report the scam, then delete the message.
More help: Fake delivery texts and customs-fee scams and what to do after a scam.
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 (U.S. Postal Inspection Service)
- Think that text message is from USPS? It could be a scam (Federal Trade Commission)
- Text Tracking FAQs (USPS)