Fake USPS Scam Calls, Emails and Texts: Do Not Click!

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has become a commonly impersonated government agency by scammers carrying out phishing attacks through email, text messages, and phone calls. These fraudulent messages often claim there is an issue with a package delivery or the victim’s USPS account in order to trick recipients into providing sensitive information or payments.

This article will break down how the fake USPS scams work, what techniques are used, how to identify fraudulent messages, and what steps to take if you fall victim to one of these prevalent schemes. After reading, you’ll have the knowledge needed to avoid having your personal data or money stolen by USPS impersonation scams.

How Fake USPS Scams Work

The majority of fake USPS communications follow similar patterns in their attempts to dupe recipients:

Email Scams

• Claims of undelivered packages that require the victim to click a link or open an attachment to resolve the issue. The link leads to a phishing site requesting personal info, while the attachment contains malware.
• Messages stating the USPS account will be suspended unless the victim updates or verifies their account details through the provided link. The site is fake with the purpose of stealing information.
• Emails with a fake USPS receipt for a purchased product, shipping label, or postal money order attached. The file contains malware that infects devices once downloaded.

Text Message Scams

• Texts alerting the victim of a missed, undeliverable, or inaccurate delivery. It provides a phony case number and USPS link to update delivery preferences or shipping addresses. The site steals data entered.
• Messages requesting the recipient pay a small “redelivery fee” to have a missed package sent again. This is done by clicking a link to a fake payments page that steals financial information.
• Texts stating tracking information has been updated and encourages the victim to click a link to view the latest details. The link goes to a phishing site designed to compromise account logins and passwords.

Phone Call Scams

• Calls from scammers impersonating USPS agents claiming you have fraudulent packages being shipped in your name. They request personal information to rectify the situation.
• Automated calls urging you to “Press 1” regarding issues with deliveries or tracking numbers. This routes you to a scammer requesting you pay a fee or hand over account details to fix the problem.

No matter whether the scam comes through email, text message, phone call, or other communication medium, the end goal of each fraudulent USPS-themed phishing attempt is to steal personal data, account login credentials, financial information, or money from victims who are tricked into believing the messages originate from the real United States Postal Service.

The scammers utilize social engineering tactics and technical deception techniques to manipulate innocent recipients into either directly providing their sensitive personal or financial information, unwittingly downloading malware onto their devices, or transferring funds to the criminals under false pretenses.

By presenting the scam messages as urgent notices from a trusted government agency that most Americans regularly interact with, the scammers increase their chances of deceiving victims into handing over the keys to their identities, online accounts, or bank accounts – allowing the fraudsters to potentially make off with the person’s good name, hard-earned money, or reputation.

How to Identify Fake USPS Messages

While scam emails, text messages, and calls often look convincing, there are telltale signs that can help you determine their fraudulent nature:

• Grammatical/spelling errors – Legitimate agencies carefully proofread communication. Errors signal an amateur scammer.
• Threats of account suspension – The USPS will not suspend accounts without prior official notices. Threats out of the blue are manipulation tactics.
• Requests for sensitive info – The USPS does not request personal details like social security numbers or banking information to resolve delivery issues.
• Links to non-USPS sites – Hover over and examine any links closely. Scammers often use lookalike URLs.
• Spoofed phone numbers/email addresses – Caller IDs and sender addresses can be faked. Verify the contact info is from official USPS domains.
• Requests for payment – No government agency demands direct payment via pop-ups, links, prepaid cards, etc. This is a sign of fraud.
• Strange attachments – The USPS does not send postal receipts or labels via email attachments. Opening them could infect your device.
• Poor grammar/formatting – Low-quality writing and email/text formatting errors demonstrate a scam.
• Questions personal info – USPS may verify identities, but will not cold call/email requesting in-depth personal or financial details.
• Threatening urgency – Scammers often rush and scare recipients into immediate action. Remain calm and cautious of demands, threats, or pressure.

Paying close attention to these red flags when reviewing any supposed USPS communication can help reveal whether it is legitimate or a scam attempt. If in doubt, reach out directly to the USPS for verification.

What to Do if You Receive a Fake USPS Message

If you get a suspicious email, text, call, or other communication claiming to be from the USPS, take the following steps:

• Do not click links or attachments – This could lead to malware or phishing sites designed to steal information.
• Do not provide information – Whether over the phone, email, text, or otherwise, do not hand over any sensitive personal, financial, or account details.
• Do not pay any requested fees – USPS will never request payments out of the blue to redeliver packages or unlock accounts.
• Forward phishing emails – Forward scam USPS emails to spam@uspis.gov and reportphishing@antiphishing.org to help combat them.
• Mark text scams “Spam” – On your phone, mark fraudulent texts as “Spam” to block future texts from the sender.
• Hang up on callers – It’s safest to hang up immediately on any questionable calls stating they are from the USPS.
• Contact USPS – Reach out to the official USPS customer service at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) to report the scam attempt and verify any actual issues.
• Update account passwords – If the scam involves your USPS account in any way, change your password as a precaution.

Alerting the proper authorities can help curb these scams and prevent others from falling victim.

What to Do If You Already Shared Information

If you provided sensitive information, clicked links/attachments, or paid money to a scam USPS message, take the following steps right away:

• Contact banks/credit card companies – Alert your financial institutions to closely monitor your accounts for any fraudulent charges or activity. Consider requesting new cards.
• Run anti-malware scans – If you clicked an attachment or link, scan all your devices with updated antivirus/malware software to check for infections.
• Change all passwords – Update passwords on your USPS account, email accounts, and any other accounts for which information was compromised. Enable two-factor authentication when possible.
• Place fraud alerts – Contact one of the three credit bureaus to request free 90-day fraud alerts on your credit files to help prevent identity theft risks.
• Monitor credit reports – Keep an eye on your credit reports for any suspicious accounts or activities that could indicate identity theft. Dispute anything fraudulent.
• File an FTC complaint – Formally report the scam by filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov.
• Local authorities – You can also file a report with your local police department to create a paper trail regarding theft of personal information or money.
• USPS Inspector General – Report the fraud attempt to the USPS Inspector General at https://www.uspsoig.gov/form/file-online-complaint to aid investigations.

The faster you act, the better chance you have of limiting damages from any stolen personal data, financial fraud, or device infections that may have occurred. Don’t let embarrassment or fear about falling for a scam prevent you from taking action to protect yourself!

Is Your Device Infected? Run a Free Malware Scan

Slow performance, constant pop-ups, or strange behavior? These are classic signs of a malware infection. A quick way to check is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Free, one of the most trusted malware removal tools available. If you only visited a scam page and didn’t download or install anything, this scan is optional.

The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:

• Adware — the cause of those annoying pop-ups
• Browser hijackers — unwanted redirects and changed homepages
• Trojans and spyware — hidden programs stealing your data
• Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) — software you never asked for

👉 Select your device below — Windows, Mac, or Android — then follow the simple steps to download Malwarebytes, scan your system, and remove any threats it finds. The scan usually takes 5 to 20 minutes.

Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android

Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows

Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan your PC and remove what Malwarebytes finds.

1. Download Malwarebytes

   Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.

   

   Malwarebytes Free for WindowsScans and removes malware at no cost

   Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for Windows 11 and 10. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium

2. Install Malwarebytes

   When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.

   

3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes

   The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:

   • Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.

     

   • Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.

     

   • When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.

     

   • On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.

     

4. Optional: Check for rootkits with a Custom Scan

   You don’t need to change any settings for a normal scan. The standard Threat Scan in the next step is enough for most problems, so you can go straight to it.

   If you also want to check for rootkits, use a Custom Scan. In current versions of Malwarebytes, rootkit scanning is only available there:

   1. On the Scanner tile, click the three-dot menu and select Advanced Scan.
   2. Choose Custom Scan. In its options, check Scan for rootkits.
   3. Select your system drive (usually C:\) as the location to scan, then start the scan. It takes longer than a Threat Scan.
   4. When it finishes, review and quarantine the results as described in the steps below.

   Rootkit scanning isn’t available on Windows devices with ARM processors.

5. Start the Scan

   Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.

   

6. Wait for the Scan to Finish

   The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on your computer. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.

   

7. Quarantine the Detected Threats

   When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.

   

   Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.

   

8. Restart Your Computer

   Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.

   

When the scan is done, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they continue, see the options below.

Keep your PC protectedStop the next infection before it starts

If your antivirus let this threat through, it may not be enough on its own. Malwarebytes Premium adds real-time protection that blocks malware, ransomware, and malicious websites before they can infect your computer.See Malwarebytes Premium

If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:

• Run a computer scan with ESET Online Scanner
• Ask for help in our Windows Malware Removal Help & Support forum.

Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Mac

Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan your Mac and remove what Malwarebytes finds.

1. Download Malwarebytes for Mac

   Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.

   

   Malwarebytes Free for MacScans and removes malware at no cost

   Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for macOS. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium

2. Open the Malwarebytes setup file

   When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.

   

3. Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes

   The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.

   

   

   

   When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.

   Malwarebytes needs Full Disk Access to check your whole Mac. When it asks, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access, turn on Malwarebytes (it may be listed as Malwarebytes Protection), and confirm with your password or Touch ID. Then return to Malwarebytes. On macOS Monterey and earlier, this setting is in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.

4. Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”

   Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
   

5. Start the Scan

   Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
   

6. Wait for the Scan to Finish

   Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
   

7. Quarantine the Detected Threats

   When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
   

8. Restart Your Mac

   Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they come back, save the scan report and ask for help in our forum.
   
   

If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.

Keep your Mac protectedStop the next infection before it starts

If your Mac got infected, its built-in protection may not be enough on its own. Malwarebytes Premium for Mac adds real-time protection that blocks malware and adware before they can infect your Mac.See Malwarebytes Premium

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 scans your phone or tablet for malware, adware, and potentially unwanted apps. The free version scans only when you start a scan. Real-time protection, which checks apps automatically, is part of the paid Premium version.

1. Download Malwarebytes for Android.

   You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.

   

   Malwarebytes for AndroidScans your phone and removes malware at no cost

   Get Malwarebytes for AndroidOpens Google Play in a new tab.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium for Android

2. Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.

   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.
   

3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process

   When Malwarebytes opens, it walks you through a short setup. Tap Get started and follow the prompts. If you see an offer for a trial or a paid plan, read it before you accept. You can skip it and keep using the free scanner.

   Malwarebytes will ask for permission to access the files on your phone so it can scan them. Tap Allow, or turn on the permission in the Android screen that opens, then return to Malwarebytes.

4. Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android

   On the main screen, tap Scan now. In some versions, you open the menu, tap Scanner, and then tap Run a scan.

5. 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.
   

6. Remove the detected apps.

   When the scan has been completed, you will see a list of the threats that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. Next to each detected item, tap the menu icon (three dots), then choose to uninstall the app or delete the file. Android then asks you to confirm. Tap OK or Uninstall to remove the app.

7. Restart your phone.

   When the detected apps are removed, restart your phone if Malwarebytes asks you to. Then check whether the problems you noticed have stopped.

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If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.

Keep your phone protectedStop the next infection before it starts

Malwarebytes for Android Premium adds real-time protection that blocks malicious apps and scam links before they can harm your phone.See Malwarebytes for Android

If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:

• Ask for help in our Mobile Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
• Only as a last resort, reset your phone to factory settings. Read the warning below first.

A factory reset erases everything on your phone. Your apps, photos, files, and settings are deleted, so use it only if the problem continues after the steps above and after you’ve asked for help. Before you reset:

• Back up your photos, videos, files, and messages, for example to your Google account or a computer.
• Make sure you know your Google account email and password. The phone asks for them after the reset. If you changed the password recently, Google recommends waiting 24 hours before you reset.
• On a Samsung phone, also make sure you know your Samsung account password.
• If you use an authenticator app for two-step verification, move your accounts to another device or save your backup codes first.

On a Google Pixel, go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). On a Samsung Galaxy phone, go to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset. Menu names differ on other phones, so check your manufacturer’s support site.

Stay Protected: Block Ads and Malicious Sites

No scan can prove a device is completely clean, so it helps to block threats before they reach you. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.

We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.

👉 Download AdGuard and browse safely

Why USPS Scams Are So Deceptive

There are several key reasons why scammers have success deceiving victims with USPS impersonation scams:

• People expect packages – With frequent online shopping and mail order prescriptions, people anticipate deliveries, making scams about shipping issues more plausible.
• USPS is familiar – The USPS is a well-known government agency most Americans interact with, so they trust communication seemingly from them.
• Scares recipients – The threats of account suspension, missed deliveries, or identity theft incite fear that spurs victims into providing information.
• LOOKS official – Email headers, phone numbers, and message formats are spoofed to appear nearly identical to legitimate USPS communication.
• Rewards curiosity – Clickbait subject lines and fake tracking details pique people’s curiosity to open messages and click links they normally wouldn’t.
• Preys on concern – Scammers know people want to quickly resolve delivery problems, so they pretend to offer help.

Understanding these psychological tactics can help you recognize when communication aims to manipulate rather than assist. Remember, any legitimate delivery issues can be resolved by directly contacting USPS customer service – not through unsolicited messages.

Tips to Identify and Avoid Government Agency Scams

While USPS scams are rampant, fraudsters also impersonate other government groups like FBI, IRS, SSA, and more. Here are tips to avoid scams posing as government organizations:

• Verify strange requests – Agencies won’t threaten, rush, or pressure you. Double check any unusual requests by contacting the organization directly.
• Know how agencies communicate – Familiarize yourself with how different groups contact the public to recognize when something is off.
• Do not click links – Government emails with links or asking you to visit sites should be ignored. Manually type known URLs instead.
• Check for spoofing – Caller IDs, email addresses, and websites can be faked. Carefully examine and verify the contact info provided.
• Avoid revealing personal details – Do not hand over sensitive info like Social Security numbers or bank details to any unsolicited caller or email.
• Be wary of threats – Scammers use threatening urgency to blindside victims. No government agency will threaten you outright or make demands immediately.

Equipping yourself with knowledge of how legitimate government groups operate makes it far easier to discern scam attempts aiming to deceive you.

Conclusion

Fake emails, text messages, calls, and other communications impersonating the USPS remain highly prevalent. But understanding common scam techniques, urgent demands for personal details or payments, and threats of account suspension makes it possible to recognize and report fraudulent activity. Contacting USPS to confirm legitimacy before taking action on anything suspicious can help avoid falling victim.

While scammers become increasingly sophisticated in spoofing identities, awareness of the key signs of phishing attempts can keep your information safe. Never hesitate to reach out to official customer support numbers found on government websites if you have any doubts. Taking a few extra precautions could protect you from the damages caused by having your personal data, money, or identity stolen by scammers masquerading as trusted public services.