What is USPS Scam and How to Protect Yourself

It’s difficult not to be thrilled whenever the United States Postal Service (USPS) provides updates such as this. What should you do if you receive texts from USPS asking a payment for delivery delays?

This is one of the symptoms that are part of this USPS scam. It’s a type of SMS smishing (SMS Phishing). The message contains fake links that take you to a website that steals your personal information. We’ve developed this guide to show you how to spot a USPS scam, stay safe online, and report it to the appropriate authorities.

What is USPS Scam?

The USPS scam usually comes via a text message or email. It’s an alleged update regarding a delivery, and it asks for more personal details from you to make the payment.

The site link included in this message could be an early sign of a scam. There’s no way to know whether it’s a scam. USPS never sends emails that point you to a site. If you click on the link, it will lead you to a fake website that resembles the USPS website but asks for personal information and payment information.

Also read: Cryptocurrency Scam: 8 Red Flags of Crypto Scam

Examples of the USPS Scam

There are several types of USPS scams. These are the scams you should be looking for.

• Redelivery fee: We were unable to deliver your package. To continue with delivery, make sure you pay within three working days. In the event of non-payment, the package is returned to its person who sent it. Make use of the link below to make your payment.
• Incomplete address information: It appears that your USPS package has been delivered to our warehouse, but it was not delivered due to insufficient address details. Verify your information via this link.
• Unpaid delivery fees: Unfortunately, we are unable to meet the delivery date of your parcel as we have not paid the fee. Please follow the link to pay the bill and then reschedule the delivery.
• Suspended package: Your USPS package was rescheduled because of its contents. Follow this link to fill out the safety declaration, and then change your delivery date.
• Delivery preferences: A package must be delivered to your address, but it is waiting for an update. Follow this link to change your account’s preferences.

How to Spot a USPS Text Scam

We’ve already discussed one indication to tell if the USPS message you’ve received could be a scam. There are other warning signs to look for, like:

• Spelling and grammar mistakes: The USPS employs professional English for letters. If you notice spelling mistakes or commas in an incorrect place, the chances are it will be a fraud.
• References to large amounts of money. It is important to note that the USPS will not inform you that you’ve received an enormous money order or check, particularly by text message. You are free to ignore these messages, regardless of how large the dollar amount is.
• Warnings: If USPS had you in court or even reported you to law enforcement, they’d contact you. Remove any messages that threaten that you will face prosecution for undeliverable packages.
• Urgency: Another tactic scammers employ is the”race to the finish line. You may only have 1 to 3 days to decide before the delivery must be returned to the original sender.
• Unusual tracking numbers: USPS tracking numbers feature 20 numbers. It could be a combination of 13 letters or numbers. For instance, US 111 111 111 US. When it’s not, you’re probably a fraud.
• Unusual addresses: Just like every other letter and package sent by the USPS, yours will be displayed in a specific way. If it doesn’t look the same as the messages you receive, that’s because it’s a scam.

What Could Happen If You Click on a USPS Scam Link

You may have stumbled across the link. We’re not lying to you, there could be certain consequences if you click on the fake USPS website. What can happen is this:

Identity Theft

This USPS scam is created to redirect users to an unauthentic web page that requests personal details. The scammers will use the details you’ve provided to market their products through the internet’s dark market, obtain loans on your behalf, and set up fake accounts on social media to pretend to be you to family and friends.

Malware and Viruses

If you click the link, it may be an automated download of malware. The aim is to steal data from your computer and wipe your files. There’s also the possibility it’s a virus known as ransomware. This is when scammers block the user out from their device until you pay a significant amount.

Money Losses

If you’ve entered your credit card details or bank account information to pay the redelivery fee, you’ve granted criminals access to your money. They can use them to make purchases on your behalf, or to try taking credit lines under your name.

Also read: WhatsApp Scams: How to Spot It and Prevent It

How to Protect Yourself from USPS Scam

If you receive an email, text message, or phone call that claims it’s from USPS, there are security measures you can adopt to ensure that you’re not being scammed.

• Do not open attachments: Don’t open suspicious links or open attachments sent by people or organizations you don’t recognize. They could be infected with viruses or malware, or lead you to sites specifically designed to steal personal data.
• Block spam numbers: Anytime you receive an unwanted text message or a call, make sure to block the number from your mobile. It will stop or decrease the scams.
• Avoid reply: Don’t reply to scam calls or respond to messages. This lets scammers know the number is active, and they’ll continue calling you.
• Turn on spam detection: iPhones and Androids give the option to block unwanted calls. They can block them immediately or alert you that the caller is suspicious prior to answering the call or getting an email.
• Install an antivirus program: If you click on the link, the antivirus program will block the connection and warn you about scams and fraud before you click on the link. The database changes automatically so that it stays current with the latest USPS frauds.
• Use identity theft security: If someone steals your data, you can take advantage of an identity theft program to protect your credit report, search for your details on the Internet, and limit the damage caused by fraudsters.

How to Report a USPS Scam

The reporting of any USPS scam could help protect those who have received these emails, messages, and phone calls. We recommend that you do these things:

• Mail the USPS at spam@uspis.gov.
• Forward the text message to 7726.
• Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
• Contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Ending Notes

Staying informed and cautious is the best defense against falling victim to a USPS scam. Always verify the sender, avoid clicking suspicious links, and report any fraudulent messages to the appropriate authorities. Scammers are always changing their strategies. With a bit of alertness and diligence, you can protect your data and avoid being targeted. Don’t let a USPS scam compromise your security—stay alert and share this knowledge to help others stay safe too.