A scam text received Tuesday, May 26, claimed to be a “USPS Package Tracking Update” and said a delivery attempt had failed because more address details were needed.
The message said the package had been placed on a “temporary hold pending address verification.” It then urged the recipient to confirm shipping information within 24 hours to avoid return handling or cancellation of the shipment.
It also asked the recipient to reply “Y” to restore delivery access and warned that if no response was received before Thursday, May 28, “the shipment may be sent back to the sender.”
The text then directs the recipient to click a phishing link that even begins with "USPS."
The United States Postal Inspection Service says this kind of scam is known as smishing, a form of phishing that uses text messages to trick people into sharing personal or financial information.
The warning signs in this case are familiar.
The message includes an unfamiliar web link, sets a short deadline, and claims that urgent action is needed to prevent a package from being returned.
The Postal Inspection Service says USPS offers free package-tracking tools, but customers must either register online or text a tracking number. USPS will not send customers text messages or emails unless the customer first requests the service with a tracking number, and those messages will not contain a link.
USPS Text Tracking also uses the short code 28777, also known as 2USPS, according to USPS.
Anyone who receives a suspicious package text should not click the link, reply, or provide personal information.
If you are expecting a package, go directly to USPS.com or use a tracking number from a legitimate receipt or confirmation email.
The Postal Inspection Service says USPS-related smishing can be reported by emailing [email protected]. Recipients can also forward the text to 7726, which spells SPAM, to help report the scam number.
Anyone who clicked a suspicious link or entered financial information should contact their bank or credit card company.
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