USPS/UPS text: what they say, how to spot it, what to do

What they say

These are typical approaches, written as examples. The wording and claimed sender can change.

• “Your parcel cannot be delivered until you confirm your address.”
• “USPS needs a redelivery fee before we release your package.”
• “Your UPS shipment is on hold. Update your card here.”

How to spot it

• A text asks you to pay a small fee through a link you did not request.
• The sender wants an address, card number or password before showing a delivery record.
• The message pressures you to act before the parcel is returned.

What to do now

1. Leave the message link alone. Find the purchase confirmation you already have and use the tracking details from that order. Do not assume a text is genuine because you are expecting a package.
2. Open the carrier’s app or type its known website address yourself. For USPS help, use the contact route on usps.com; for UPS, use ups.com. Ask the seller through your original order if the tracking details do not match.
3. Keep the message and sender details, then forward the text to 7726 if supported by your carrier. Report it as junk and block it. Do not reply to the sender to ask whether it is real.

If you already paid or shared details

1. If you paid a redelivery fee, contact your bank or card issuer promptly and describe the fake delivery page. Ask whether the payment can be reversed and whether the card should be replaced.
2. If you entered a shopping or email password, change it from the real app. Review recent orders, account recovery details and any unfamiliar sign-ins.

Contact the bank, card issuer or payment provider promptly and ask whether the payment can be stopped or reversed. Recovery is not guaranteed. Change exposed passwords through the genuine service. Keep receipts and messages privately for your report.

Report the attempt at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Sources

• US Postal Inspection Service: package tracking text scams
• FTC: spam text reporting
• FTC: what to do if you were scammed

Questions people ask

Can a scam arrive while I am expecting a parcel?

Yes. Check the tracking number against your own order records. Expecting a delivery does not establish who sent the message.

Should I reply with my correct address?

Do not send personal details to the unexpected sender. Resolve any delivery problem through the carrier or seller using contact details you find independently.