Yes, the United States Postal Service (USPS) does send text messages for package tracking, but it’s crucial to understand how their official service works to protect yourself from widespread scams.
Here’s a complete breakdown of legitimate USPS texts versus fraudulent ones.
The Official USPS Text Message Service
USPS offers a free service called USPS Text Tracking™ that allows you to receive status updates on your packages.
However, you must proactively request this service for a specific package. USPS will never send you unsolicited text messages.
There are two primary ways to sign up for legitimate USPS text alerts:
- From Your Phone: You can send a text message to 28777 (which spells out 2USPS). The content of your message should be your package’s tracking number. In response, USPS will send you the latest tracking information for that package. You can also text a keyword along with the tracking number (e.g., “DELIVER”) to get specific updates.
- On the USPS Website: After you enter a tracking number on the official USPS Tracking® website, you will be given the option to register for text message updates for that specific shipment.
Another related official service is Informed Delivery®, which allows you to digitally preview your mail and manage package notifications via email, an online dashboard, or the USPS Mobile® app. Y
ou can opt-in to receive package alerts through this service as well.
How to Identify Fake USPS Text Messages (Smishing Scams)
Scammers frequently use text messages (a practice known as “smishing”) to trick people into giving up personal information or money. These fraudulent texts are extremely common.
Here are the key signs that a text message claiming to be from USPS is a scam:
- The Message Contains a Link: This is the biggest red flag. Official USPS text messages will NOT contain a clickable link. Scammers use links to direct you to fake websites that mimic the real USPS site to steal your personal and financial information.
- It Creates a Sense of Urgency: Scam messages often use urgent language like “Your package cannot be delivered,” “Address information is incomplete,” or “Action required within 12 hours” to pressure you into clicking the link without thinking.
- It Asks for a Fee: The message may claim you have unpaid postage or need to pay a “redelivery fee.” USPS does not charge for redelivery, and any unexpected request for payment is a scam.
- The Sender is a Regular Phone Number: Official alerts come from a 5-digit short code (28777). Scams often originate from a standard 10-digit phone number, sometimes from an area code you don’t recognize.
- Poor Grammar and Spelling: Legitimate communications from a major organization like USPS are professionally written. Typos and grammatical errors are strong indicators of a scam.
- You Weren’t Expecting a Package: Scammers send out millions of these texts at random. If you haven’t ordered anything or aren’t expecting a delivery, treat any such message with high suspicion.
Example of a Common Scam Text:
“USPS: Your package with tracking code 1Z999… has arrived at the warehouse but cannot be delivered due to an incomplete address. Please confirm your address in the link within 12 hours: [malicious link]”
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Text
- Do NOT click the link. This is the most important step.
- Do NOT reply to the message. Replying, even with “STOP,” confirms that your phone number is active and can lead to more spam texts.
- Verify Independently: If you are expecting a package, go directly to the official USPS website (usps.com) and enter your tracking number manually to check its status.
- Block the Number: Block the sender’s phone number on your device.
- Report the Scam:
- Forward the fraudulent text message to 7726 (which spells SPAM). This reports the message to your mobile carrier.
- Report the incident to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) by sending an email to spam@uspis.gov. Include a screenshot of the text message showing the sender’s number and the date it was sent.