If you have ever received an email or a text message from USPS claiming that your package has an invalid address and asking you to click on a link to update it, you might have been targeted by a phishing scam. In this blog post, we will explain what the USPS Invalid Address scam is, how it works, and what you can do if you have fallen victim to it.
The USPS Invalid Address scam is a type of phishing scam that aims to trick unsuspecting customers into revealing their personal and financial information. The scammers send fake emails or text messages that look like they are from USPS, but they are actually from malicious actors who want to steal your identity or money.
The fake messages usually claim that there is a problem with your package delivery, such as an invalid address, a missing label, or a failed delivery attempt. They then ask you to click on a link or call a phone number to update your information or reschedule your delivery. However, if you do so, you will be redirected to a fraudulent website or a voice recording that will ask you for your personal details, such as your name, address, credit card number, social security number, or login credentials.
Some examples of fake messages are:
“USPS: Your package has an invalid address. Please update it here: [link]”
“USPS Delivery Confirmation: We could not deliver your package due to an incorrect address. To avoid return fees, please call us at [number] within 24 hours.”
“USPS Alert: Your package label is missing. Please print a new one here: [link]”
“USPS Notice: Your package has been held at our facility due to an invalid address. To claim it, please verify your identity here: [link]”
How does the USPS Invalid Address scam work?
The USPS Invalid Address scam works by exploiting the trust that customers have in USPS and the urgency that they feel when they are expecting a package. The scammers use various techniques to make their messages look legitimate and convincing, such as:
Using official-looking logos, fonts, colors, and signatures
Using spoofed email addresses or phone numbers that appear to be from USPS
Using realistic tracking numbers or delivery confirmation codes
Using grammatically correct and polite language
Creating fake websites that mimic the appearance and functionality of the USPS website
The scammers also use social engineering tactics to persuade customers to click on their links or call their numbers, such as:
Creating a sense of urgency or fear by stating that your package will be returned to sender or destroyed if you do not act quickly
Offering incentives or rewards by promising discounts, coupons, free shipping, or refunds if you update your information
Appealing to your curiosity or emotions by stating that your package contains a gift, a surprise, or something important
Implying authority or legitimacy by using terms like “official”, “urgent”, “final notice”, or “required”
What to do if you have fallen victim to the USPS Invalid Address scam?
If you have clicked on a link or called a number from a fake USPS message and provided your personal or financial information, you should take immediate steps to protect yourself from identity theft or fraud. Here are some actions that you can take:
Contact your bank or credit card company and report the incident. Ask them to freeze your accounts, cancel your cards, and issue new ones.
Change your passwords and security questions for any online accounts that you have used or accessed from the device that you used to click on the link or call the number.
Scan your device for malware and viruses using a reputable antivirus software.
Report the scam to USPS by forwarding the fake email to spam@uspis.gov or calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).
Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by visiting https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
Monitor your credit reports and bank statements for any suspicious activity.
Is Your Device Infected? Scan for Malware
If your computer or phone is slow, showing unwanted pop-ups, or acting strangely, malware could be the cause. Running a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is one of the most reliable ways to detect and remove harmful software. The free version can identify and clean common infections such as adware, browser hijackers, trojans, and other unwanted programs.
Malwarebytes works on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Choose your operating system below and follow the steps to scan your device and remove any malware that might be slowing it down.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes
Download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows using the official link below. Malwarebytes will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software for free.
(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes)
Install Malwarebytes
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Once the scan completes, remove all detected threats. Your Windows computer should now be clean and running smoothly again, free of trojans, adware, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
After scanning, delete any detected threats. Your Mac should now be free from adware, unwanted extensions, and other potentially harmful software.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
When the scan is finished, remove all detected threats. Your Android phone should now be free of malicious apps, adware, and unwanted browser redirects.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
After cleaning your device, it’s important to protect it from future infections and annoying pop-ups. We recommend installing an ad blocker such as AdGuard. AdGuard blocks malicious ads, prevents phishing attempts, and stops dangerous redirects, helping you stay safe while browsing online.
Conclusion
The USPS Invalid Address scam is a common and dangerous phishing scam that can compromise your personal and financial security. To avoid falling for this scam, you should always be cautious and vigilant when receiving emails or text messages from USPS. Here are some tips to help you spot and prevent this scam:
Do not click on any links or call any numbers from unsolicited emails or text messages claiming to be from USPS.
Do not provide any personal or financial information over email, text message, phone call, or website unless you are sure of the sender’s identity and legitimacy.
Verify the authenticity of any email or text message from USPS by checking the sender’s address, looking for spelling and grammar errors, comparing the tracking number with the one on your receipt, or contacting USPS directly.
Delete any suspicious emails or text messages from USPS and do not reply to them or forward them to anyone else.
Educate yourself and others about the USPS Invalid Address scam and how to avoid it.
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
