A text says your package couldn’t be delivered and asks you to update your address or pay a small fee. If you’re expecting something, it feels completely normal. That’s why it works.
USPS: Your package could not be delivered due to an incomplete address. Confirm your details within 12 hours or it will be returned: usps-redelivery-info.example
An invented example, but real scam messages look just like it.
Short answer: This is a well-known scam. Don’t tap the link. If you’re expecting a parcel, go to usps.com yourself and track it with the number from your order.
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Red flags in a message like this
- A link to “update your address” or pay a fee
- A deadline of a few hours
- A web address that isn’t usps.com
- No tracking number you recognise
- Card details wanted for a tiny fee
How real USPS texts work
- According to USPS, genuine tracking texts go only to people who asked for them, and they don’t ask for payment or personal information.
- A real notice never asks you to pay a fee or enter card details on a website.
- The standard advice is to delete the text without clicking.
If you already tapped, replied or paid
- Typed card details: call your card issuer and block the card.
- Gave your name, address and phone number: expect more scam texts and calls, and ignore them.
- Typed a password anywhere: change it and turn on two-step login.
Report it: Report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, forward the text to 7726 (SPAM), and report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Still not sure? Paste it into ScamRead before you reply or pay.