Does USPS Send Text Messages About Package Deliveries?
It’s a common question in today’s world of increased package deliveries and rampant text message scams: Does the United States Postal Service (USPS) legitimately send text notifications about your packages? The short answer is yes, USPS does offer an official text tracking service – but it’s crucial to distinguish these real notifications from widespread smishing scams trying to steal your personal information.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about USPS text messages. We’ll explain how their legitimate tracking texts work, provide examples of common scam texts to avoid, outline the dangers of falling victim to these fraudulent messages, and share tips for keeping your information safe.
What is USPS Text Tracking?
USPS Text Tracking is a free service that allows customers to receive text message updates on the status and location of their packages and mail. However, it’s an opt-in program – USPS will not send you unsolicited tracking texts.
To use the official USPS text tracking, you must first initiate the request by providing your tracking number. There are a few ways to do this:
- Text your tracking number to 28777 (2USPS): You’ll receive a text back with the current status.
- Text a keyword + tracking number to 28777: Keywords like “pickup” or “alerts” give specific updates.
- Sign up on USPS.com when tracking: You can opt-in to receive text notifications for expected delivery, delivery day, delivery exceptions, and more.
The key thing to remember is that legitimate USPS texts never contain links. They only provide tracking information for packages you requested updates on using one of the above methods.
How to Identify Real USPS Text Messages
With text message scams on the rise, it’s crucial to know how to spot legitimate USPS communication. Here are some key indicators that a text is really from the Postal Service:
✓ You initiated the tracking request. USPS will not send unsolicited texts about unclaimed or delayed packages out of the blue.
✓ The text contains your tracking number. All real USPS texts will reference a valid tracking number that you provided.
✓ There are no links, web addresses, or requests for information. Official texts merely state the shipping status or delivery details.
✓ The message follows typical formats. For example: “USPS 012345678912345, Delivered 8:27am BALTIMORE MD 21201”
If a text deviates from these norms by asking you to click a link, call a number, or provide personal details – it’s an illegal smishing scam.
Common USPS Text Scams to Avoid
Scammers frequently attempt to impersonate USPS and other shipping carriers through deceptive text messages. Their goal is to steal your private information like account logins, Social Security numbers, payment details, and more.
Some common lures include texts claiming:
- Your package couldn’t be delivered due to an incomplete address (prompting you to click a link and “verify” your address)
- Your delivery is delayed or being held unless you pay a fee
- You missed a delivery attempt and must reschedule by calling a number
- There’s a problem with your package that needs to be resolved urgently
These fake texts often use urgent language and scare tactics to pressure you into action. However, USPS will never present a “do this or else” ultimatum about deliveries.
Examples of Confirmed Scam Texts
Here are some actual examples of smishing texts confirmed as scams by USPS:
“USPS: We tried to deliver your parcel XXXXXXXXXXXX but we need additional address information. Please confirm your information at [MALICIOUS LINK]”
“USPS Notice: Your package could not be delivered due to incomplete address information. Please provide complete address information at [MALICIOUS LINK] within 24 hours or it will be returned to sender.”
“USPS ALERT: We can’t complete your delivery of [TRACKING NUMBER] because we require additional information to authorize it. Please provide details at [MALICIOUS LINK] or we must return it.”
As you can see, these all include an urgent call-to-action with a link, which is a dead giveaway that they aren’t from USPS. Real tracking texts only include basic delivery status details.
Dangers of Falling for Text Message Scams
The consequences of falling victim to a USPS text scam can be severe. By clicking the malicious links or providing personal details, you open yourself up to:
Identity Theft Scammers can use your name, date of birth, Social Security number and other data to open fraudulent accounts and commit crimes in your name.
Financial Fraud Your banking logins, credit/debit card numbers and PINs can be stolen, allowing thieves to drain accounts and rack up unauthorized charges.
Malware/Viruses Smishing links often lead to websites designed to install malicious software on your device to monitor activity and steal more data.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing over $330 million to imposter scams like smishing in just the first nine months of 2023. And those are just the reported cases – many victims never realize their identities and finances were compromised.
How to Report Suspicious USPS Texts
If you receive a text message claiming to be from USPS that seems fraudulent, you can report it to the authorities. Here are the steps recommended by the US Postal Inspection Service:
- Do not click any links! Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) to help identify the scammer’s number.
- Email the full text content to [email protected]. Include your name, the sender’s number, screenshots, and any details like money lost.
- You can also file complaints about non-USPS smishing scams with the Federal Trade Commission and FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Reporting helps track down the criminals behind these scams and prevents others from being victimized. Every case should be documented.
Tips to Protect Yourself from Text Scams
Beyond reporting fraudulent messages, there are some best practices to keep in mind:
- Never click links or provide personal info unless YOU initiated the interaction. Pause and verify any unsolicited requests.
- Be wary of urgent language, threats or scare tactics. USPS will not make high-pressure demands about packages.
- Proactively sign up for USPS’s free legitimate tracking services at USPS.com to receive real updates.
- Don’t trust caller ID or texts that appear to be from USPS. Numbers can be easily spoofed.
- Use mobile security software that can detect and block malicious links and potential smishing attempts.
Staying vigilant is key to protecting your identity and finances from text message scammers.
USPS Text Tracking FAQs
Still have some questions about how USPS text notifications work? Here are succinct answers to some frequently asked queries:
Can legitimate USPS texts contain links?
No, USPS policy states their tracking texts will never include links or web addresses that you have to click. This is a clear red flag of a scam text.
What kind of information DO real USPS texts include?
Official texts only state basic delivery status info like “Delivered 2:15pm CHICAGO IL 60637.” They contain your tracking number that you provided and no requests for additional details.
How do I stop USPS texts I signed up for?
Text “STOP” to 28777 (2USPS) and you’ll no longer receive further tracking updates on any numbers.
Can I get USPS text updates from outside the US?
For now, USPS text tracking is limited to US-based phone numbers and some Canadian numbers. International support is planned for future expansion.
I didn’t initiate tracking but got a USPS text – what does it mean?
If you receive any unsolicited text claiming to be from USPS about a delivery, it is definitely a scam attempting to steal your information. Do not engage!
The Bottom Lines
As package deliveries keep increasing, it’s wise to understand USPS’s official text message policies and how to separate legitimate notifications from criminal smishing scams. While USPS does offer a free text tracking service for customers who opt-in with their tracking numbers, the Postal Service will never send unsolicited texts with links or demands for personal information.
Stay vigilant, verify any tracking notice that seems questionable by checking USPS.com, and report any confirmed smishing attempts to the proper authorities. With some common sense precautions, you can safely take advantage of USPS text tracking updates while protecting yourself from malicious scammers trying to steal your data.
