USPS and UPS scams imitate delivery notices to obtain payment details, account credentials, or money. A message may claim that a parcel needs immediate attention, but the correct check begins outside the message. Open the carrier’s genuine website and use the tracking number from the order record instead of following an unexpected link or paying its stated fee.
Expecting a package does not authenticate every delivery warning. Compare the carrier, shipment, and requested action with the actual purchase. Keep the message while checking independently. The Postal Inspection Service advises recipients who expect a parcel to avoid suspicious links and visit USPS directly. UPS similarly recommends opening a new browser window to reach its legitimate website instead of responding.
USPS and UPS scams use different carrier stories
For USPS and UPS scams, USPS texts require a tracking request. Its guidance says those alerts are free and do not contain links. An unsolicited postal text linking to an address or payment form therefore deserves particular caution. Check the package through USPS independently, even if the message arrives near the expected delivery date.
The FTC describes false delivery messages seeking debit card details or payment through links. The objective is the information supplied, not the small apparent charge alone. A request framed as correcting an address should be assessed before any card data is entered. The phishing overview explains how familiar business identities can be used to disguise that collection.
Fees and USPS and UPS scams
For USPS and UPS scams, distinguish actual UPS charges: collect-on-delivery, duties, or taxes can apply. Its fraud guidance recommends tracking the package to check whether fees are due. This distinction matters: the existence of legitimate charges does not validate an unexpected demand. Confirm the shipment and use genuine UPS payment routes rather than the destination supplied by the message.
UPS warns against sending wire payments, money orders, gift cards, or cash in response to suspicious demands. Its guidance identifies the UPS Billing Center as a secure account payment route. A person should reach that service independently when needed. An urgent warning cannot establish the legitimacy of the payment recipient, even when the amount seems plausible for a real package.
Addresses, logos, and tracking numbers need context
UPS warns about copied branding and deceptive links. A visible company name or familiar layout is not enough to establish the destination. Inspect the actual web address and obtain tracking information independently. Do not enter account credentials to test whether a page is genuine; use the established account to investigate the alleged problem instead of the incoming link.
A small redelivery fee can make a request feel less risky. The requested form may expose a card number, security code, address, or account password. Assess what information would be supplied, not just the advertised charge. Keep the original message for reporting, and avoid sending additional information to a person who offers to cancel the supposed delivery payment.
| Carrier claim | Independent check |
|---|---|
| USPS alert with an unexpected payment link | Review tracking directly through USPS |
| UPS duties or collect-on-delivery charge | Confirm the shipment and fee through UPS tracking |
| Address correction requiring card information | Pause before entering financial details |
| Carrier support reached through a message | Obtain contact details from the genuine carrier site |
Respond quickly after interacting with a link
USPIS advises notifying the financial institution after interacting with a suspicious delivery URL, even if the recipient did not select submit. Describe what was entered and happened next. Keep the website address, message, and any resulting statement entries. The credit card fraud guidance explains why prompt issuer contact and accurate records matter when suspicious charges or card disclosures are involved.
If a password was supplied, change it through the real service and replace reused versions. The FTC recommends multi-factor authentication and current device security protections after phishing exposure. UPS also recommends unique account passwords and reviewing suspicious shipping or billing activity. These steps address access directly instead of relying on the sender’s assurance that a delivery request has been canceled.
Reporting USPS and UPS scam messages
For USPS and UPS scams, match the report to the impersonated carrier. Send USPS-related suspicious texts or emails to [email protected] using USPIS reporting instructions. Include the sender, date, message, and what was disclosed without clicking the link again. Use the reporting checklist to connect that evidence with any payment record or account change that followed the message instructions.
Contact the carrier through official UPS support. Forward suspicious texts to 7726, and submit a report through the FTC’s consumer fraud service. For an actual delivery delay, use ordinary carrier support separately. A later promise of repayment in exchange for another charge should be evaluated using the recovery scam warnings before supplying more information or paying again.
Questions and answers
Does expecting a parcel make a delivery text genuine?
No. Check the actual carrier and tracking record independently. USPIS advises even recipients expecting a package to avoid suspicious links and visit USPS directly. UPS recommends reaching its legitimate website rather than responding to a doubtful message.
Do genuine USPS tracking texts contain links?
USPIS says its tracking alerts follow a customer request for a specific tracking number, are free, and do not contain links. An unexpected USPS-themed text linking to an address or payment form should be checked independently.
Can a real UPS shipment require payment?
Yes. UPS identifies collect-on-delivery shipments, duties, and taxes among circumstances where money may be due. Check the actual shipment through UPS tracking and use genuine payment routes instead of accepting an unexpected message as proof.
Should a small delivery fee be treated as a small risk?
No. A payment form can collect sensitive card or account information beyond the stated fee. The FTC warns about false delivery messages seeking financial details. Evaluate what would be disclosed and verify the shipment before entering data.
What if card details were typed but submit was not pressed?
USPIS advises notifying the financial institution after interacting with a suspicious delivery URL, even without selecting submit. Explain what was entered, retain the message and website address, and follow the institution's instructions about protecting the account.
Where should suspicious USPS messages be sent?
USPIS directs postal smishing reports to [email protected]. Its guidance asks for the message, sender number, date, and relevant details about interaction or losses. Preserve that evidence without clicking the link again to prepare the report.
Does a copied logo or tracking-style number validate a message?
No. UPS warns that fraudulent messages can copy its branding and use deceptive links. Confirm the shipment through the genuine carrier website and the order record instead of treating the message's appearance as authentication.
How should an actual late package be handled?
Use ordinary carrier tracking and support for a genuine delivery problem. A suspicious payment demand can be reported separately. Preserve the message and payment records so service inquiries do not replace appropriate fraud or account-security action.
Sources
- Smishing: Package Tracking Text Scams · United States Postal Inspection Service
- Protect Yourself From Fraud and Scams · UPS
- Don’t click on that random text. It’s a scam · Federal Trade Commission
- How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams · Federal Trade Commission
- Report a Crime · United States Postal Inspection Service