Does Canada Post Send Text Messages? Understanding Policies & Scams
Canada Post’s official policy is that they do not send unsolicited text messages to customers regarding packages or deliveries. However, there are certain circumstances where Canada Post may send text notifications, and there are also ongoing text message scams impersonating Canada Post that people need to be aware of. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about Canada Post’s text messaging practices, delivery notifications, and how to identify fraudulent texts.
Here’s what will be covered:
- Does Canada Post Send Text Message Notifications?
- How to Sign Up for Legitimate Canada Post Text Alerts
- Examples of Real Canada Post Text Message Notifications
- Common Canada Post Text Message Scams to Watch Out For
- Tips to Identify Fake Canada Post Texts
- What To Do If You Received a Fraudulent Canada Post Text
- Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Post Text Messages
Does Canada Post Send Text Message Notifications?
The short answer is yes, Canada Post can send text notifications to customers, but only if the customer has signed up to receive them. Canada Post does not initiate unsolicited text communications about deliveries or ask for personal information via text.
According to Canada Post’s website:
“Canada Post will not send unprompted text messages to customers regarding packages or deliveries. Legitimate Canada Post SMS tracking or marketing communications will only show the sender as 272727 or 55555, and you have to sign up to get them.”
So unless you have explicitly opted-in to receive text updates from Canada Post, any unsolicited text claiming to be from them about a delivery should be considered fraudulent.
How to Sign Up for Legitimate Canada Post Text Alerts
There are a couple of ways customers can register to receive legitimate text message notifications from Canada Post related to their deliveries:
- Delivery Notifications: You can sign up to get text updates on the status of your incoming packages. This includes notices for out-for-delivery, attempted delivery, and other tracking events.
To sign up, just create a free Canada Post account at canadapost.ca and enter your mobile number under “My Preferences.”
- Marketing Communications: Canada Post also allows you to opt-in to receive special offers and updates about Canada Post services and products via text message.
You can opt-in for marketing texts by visiting canadapost.ca/reminder and checking the “Receive Special Offers and Updates” box.
Once signed up through official Canada Post channels, you may receive text notifications from shortcodes 272727 or 55555 only.
Examples of Real Canada Post Text Message Notifications
So what do legitimate Canada Post text notifications look like? Here are some examples provided by Canada Post:
Delivery Notification Text: “Your package from SENDER_NAME is out for delivery today. Updates at TRACKING_URL”
Delivery Attempt Notification Text:
“We attempted delivery of your package TRACKING_NUMBER today but you weren’t home. Door Notice left. Schedule Redelivery at LINK”
Marketing Notification Text: “Canada Post: Get 10% off supplies this week only with promo code SUPPLY10. Shop now: LINK”
Notice that real Canada Post texts include:
- Recognizable 272727 or 55555 sender
- Your tracking number
- Links to canadapost.ca
- No urgent calls-to-action
Illegitimate texts may have a different sender number, suspicious URLs, and prompt you to urgently enter information.
Common Canada Post Text Message Scams to Watch Out For
Unfortunately, scammers have been exploiting the trusted Canada Post name to defraud customers via text messages. Here are some of the most common Canada Post text scam tactics:
Missing Address Scam: You receive a text claiming Canada Post has a package for you, but is missing the delivery address. It provides a link to enter your address for “delivery.”
Fee Payment Scam: Similar to the address scam, but claims you need to pay a fee or provide payment details before your package can be delivered.
Phishing Scam: Texts stating there is an issue with your delivery attempt to get you to click a link and enter personal or login information.
These scam texts may look remarkably similar to real Canada Post communications. However, they violate Canada Post policies by being unsolicited and asking for sensitive information.
Tips to Identify Fake Canada Post Texts
How can you tell if a text message is really from Canada Post or a scam? Look for these red flags:
- Sender is not 272727 or 55555
- Message is unsolicited about a delivery issue
- Includes suspicious links (not canadapost.ca)
- Requests personal info or payment
- Uses urgent language (“click now or else…”)
- Has typos/branding inconsistencies
If a text seems fishy, never click links or provide any information. Always verify delivery issues directly through official Canada Post channels.
What To Do If You Received a Fraudulent Canada Post Text
If you suspect a text is a Canada Post scam, here’s what to do:
- Do not click any links or respond. This could expose your device to malware or compromise personal data.
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) to report it to your mobile carrier.
- Contact Canada Post at 1-866-607-6301 to verify if the communication is legitimate.
- Report the fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online.
- Monitor accounts and consider identity protection services if you entered any information.
Quick action can minimize damage from these text scams aiming to steal your money and identity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Post Text Messages
Will Canada Post ever send me a text about unpaid fees?
No, Canada Post will not request any payments via text. These are always scam attempts.
What numbers does Canada Post use to send legitimate texts?
272727 and 55555 are the only approved shortcodes used for Canada Post text notifications.
Do I need to sign up to get Canada Post texts about my delivery?
Yes, Canada Post requires you to opt-in and provide your mobile number to receive any delivery status texts.
How can I sign up for Canada Post text notifications?
Sign up for delivery notifications by creating an account at canadapost.ca. For marketing texts, visit canadapost.ca/reminder.
My text claims to be from USPS, is that a scam?
Yes, any text about a USPS delivery to a Canadian address is likely a scam. USPS does not have access to send texts to Canadian numbers.
The text included my name and tracking number, is it real?
Scammers can “spoof” this info to appear legitimate. Verify directly with Canada Post if the details are accurate before taking any action.
Stay vigilant about any unsolicited texts claiming to be from Canada Post. Sign up for official notifications directly through Canada Post, and report any suspected scam texts to protect yourself.
