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Does USPS send text messages?

Expert analysis on USPS delivery text scams and verification

Quick take on USPS Texts scams

USPS delivery failure texts are common scams. Fraudsters spoof postal service numbers, claim packages need redelivery fees, and steal payment info through fake tracking links. USPS never requests payment via text for redelivery. Bottom line: Ignore unexpected USPS texts and track packages only through the official USPS website.

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USPS Texts scam statistics: recent data trends

USPS package delivery scams have experienced dramatic growth since 2020, with fake delivery notifications peaking during holiday seasons when shipping volume is highest. These package-delivery smishing attempts consistently appear in fraud reports as scammers exploit consumers' expectations of legitimate deliveries to steal personal information and payment details through convincing but fraudulent text messages. FTC issued consumer alerts in April 2025 about fake USPS text messages claiming package delivery issues, unpaid postage, or missed deliveries.

Since 2020

Dramatic growth in USPS delivery scams

Holiday peaks

Fake delivery notifications spike during shipping seasons

April 2025

FTC alert about fake USPS text messages

GOLDEN RULE: USPS never requests payment via text — always track packages directly at usps.com

USPS Texts red flags to watch for

  • Delivery failure lies.
    Fake texts claim packages need redelivery fees or are held up
  • Phishing tracking links.
    Messages direct you to fake USPS sites that steal payment info
  • Urgent payment requests.
    Scammers demand immediate fees to release packages
  • Suspicious sender numbers.
    Real USPS tracking comes from official 28777 shortcode
  • Poor tracking details.
    Real USPS texts include specific tracking numbers and locations

NEVER Respond If:

  • Any unexpected text claims USPS needs payment for delivery — legitimate deliveries don't require fees
  • Someone asks for personal information to "confirm your address"
  • The message threatens to return your package without immediate payment
  • You're directed to click links for package tracking from unknown numbers
  • The text asks for credit card details to complete delivery

Warning signs of USPS Texts scams

  • Texts during non-holiday seasons when you expect no packages
  • Demands for small "fees" like $3.30 that seem legitimate but lead to theft
  • Follow-up messages pressuring quick action to "avoid return"

How to protect yourself from USPS Texts scams

  • Track packages only through official USPS.
    Use official USPS.com website or the official USPS Mobile app from your app store
  • Block and report suspicious delivery texts.
    Report them to 7726 (SPAM) per FTC guidelines
  • Enable carrier spam filtering service.
    Automatically block many fraudulent delivery texts
  • Never pay delivery fees through text links.
    USPS doesn't collect payments this way
  • Report to Postal Inspection Service.
    Report fake USPS texts at uspis.gov in addition to blocking them
  • Verify unexpected delivery notifications.
    Check your actual order history with retailers directly
REMEMBER: USPS tracking texts come only from 28777 or 2USPS—all other delivery texts are likely scams.

Safety tips 101: Frequently asked questions

USPS does use 5-digit short codes for legitimate SMS, but the Postal Inspection Service warns that "package problem" texts are a major smishing scam category.

Red flags: weird links, urgent language, "address confirmation" fees, spelling errors, and pressure to act fast. If it's real, you should be able to verify tracking by going to USPS directly—never through a random link.

Treat "Forward Blue" messages as highly suspicious—USPS smishing scams often use odd phrases/brands to look official. Don't click; verify only through official USPS channels.

Where to Report USPS Texts Fraud

FTC

Visit reportfraud.ftc.gov to report the scam. Provide as many details as possible about the interaction.

Phone: 1-877-FTC-HELP

Report to FTC

U.S. Postal Inspection Service

Report mail fraud and scams to USPIS, the law enforcement arm of the Postal Service

Phone: 1-877-876-2455

Report to USPIS

Your Phone

Block the sender on your device. Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) to help your carrier block similar messages.

Government Resources

Related News & Articles

Related Topics

smishing package-scams delivery-fraud

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