USPS ‘We Have Sent You A Message’ Email Scam [Explained]

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Scams have become increasingly prevalent in the digital age, with cybercriminals constantly devising new methods to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One such scam that has gained significant attention is the USPS ‘We Have Sent You A Message’ email scam. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of this scam, including what it is, how it works, what to do if you have fallen victim, technical details, and relevant statistics.

Scams

What is the USPS ‘We Have Sent You A Message’ Email Scam?

The USPS ‘We Have Sent You A Message’ email scam is a phishing scam that targets individuals by impersonating the United States Postal Service (USPS). The scam typically involves sending fraudulent emails to victims, claiming that the USPS has sent them a message regarding a package or delivery issue. These emails often contain official-looking USPS logos and branding, making them appear legitimate at first glance.

Upon opening the email, recipients are prompted to click on a link or download an attachment to view the supposed message from USPS. However, these links and attachments are malicious and can lead to various negative consequences, such as malware infections, identity theft, or financial loss.

How Does the USPS ‘We Have Sent You A Message’ Email Scam Work?

The USPS ‘We Have Sent You A Message’ email scam operates by exploiting the trust individuals have in the USPS brand. Cybercriminals craft convincing emails that mimic official USPS communications, often using language that creates a sense of urgency or concern. These emails may claim that a package is being held, a delivery was unsuccessful, or that additional information is required to complete a delivery.

Once a recipient clicks on the link or downloads the attachment, they are directed to a fraudulent website or unknowingly install malware onto their device. These malicious websites or files can then collect sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card details, or personal identification information. In some cases, the malware may also grant cybercriminals remote access to the victim’s device, allowing them to carry out further malicious activities.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim to the USPS ‘We Have Sent You A Message’ Email Scam?

Discovering that you have fallen victim to a scam can be distressing, but it is important to take immediate action to minimize the potential damage. If you have clicked on a suspicious link or downloaded an attachment from a USPS ‘We Have Sent You A Message’ email, here are the steps you should follow:

  1. Disconnect from the internet: As soon as you suspect that you have fallen victim to a scam, disconnect from the internet to prevent further communication between your device and the cybercriminals.
  2. Scan your device for malware: Run a thorough scan of your device using reputable antivirus software, such as Malwarebytes Free, to detect and remove any malicious files or programs.
  3. Change your passwords: If you have entered any login credentials on a fraudulent website, immediately change the passwords for all your online accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
  4. Monitor your financial accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized transactions, report them to your financial institution immediately.
  5. Report the scam: Inform the USPS by forwarding the fraudulent email to their dedicated email address for reporting scams (spam@uspis.gov). Additionally, report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their online complaint assistant.

Technical Details of the USPS ‘We Have Sent You A Message’ Email Scam

The USPS ‘We Have Sent You A Message’ email scam utilizes various techniques to deceive recipients and carry out its malicious activities. Here are some technical details of the scam:

  • Spoofed email addresses: Cybercriminals often use spoofed email addresses that appear to be from legitimate USPS domains. However, upon closer inspection, the email addresses may contain subtle variations or misspellings.
  • Malicious attachments: The scam emails may contain attachments, such as ZIP files or PDF documents, that are designed to exploit vulnerabilities in software or trick users into executing malicious code.
  • Phishing websites: Clicking on the links in the scam emails can redirect victims to phishing websites that closely resemble the official USPS website. These websites are used to collect sensitive information from unsuspecting individuals.
  • Social engineering tactics: The scammers employ social engineering tactics to manipulate recipients into taking immediate action without questioning the legitimacy of the email. Urgency, fear, and curiosity are common emotions exploited by these tactics.

Statistics on the USPS ‘We Have Sent You A Message’ Email Scam

While it is challenging to obtain precise statistics on the USPS ‘We Have Sent You A Message’ email scam due to its ever-evolving nature, it is clear that this scam has affected a significant number of individuals. According to a report by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), there has been a surge in USPS-related scams, with over 28,000 reports filed in 2021 alone.

Furthermore, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that in 2020, consumers reported losing over $1.2 billion to scams, with phishing scams being one of the most common types reported. Although the exact number of victims specifically targeted by the USPS ‘We Have Sent You A Message’ email scam is unknown, these statistics highlight the prevalence and financial impact of scams in general.

Summary

The USPS ‘We Have Sent You A Message’ email scam is a phishing scam that impersonates the United States Postal Service to deceive individuals. By sending fraudulent emails, cybercriminals trick victims into clicking on malicious links or downloading harmful attachments. To protect yourself from falling victim to this scam, it is crucial to remain vigilant and follow best practices for online security. If you have already fallen victim, take immediate action by disconnecting from the internet, scanning your device for malware, changing passwords, monitoring financial accounts, and reporting the scam to the USPS and FTC. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to scams and protect your personal information.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

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    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

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    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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