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\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\nUSPS “Your Package Is On Hold” Scam Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The USPS “Your Package Is On Hold” phishing scam involves cell phone users receiving text messages pretending to be from the United States Postal Service. The texts inform the recipient that a package addressed to them has arrived at a USPS transit center but cannot be delivered due to an incomplete shipping address, invalid address details, or other fictitious address issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fraudulent message then instructs the recipient to click on a link to a website in order to enter or correct their shipping address so that the Postal Service can complete delivery of the stalled package. However, the site linked in the text message is not a legitimate USPS site, but rather a sophisticated fake website designed by scammers to steal personal information and even install malware on victim\u2019s devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This USPS scam is categorized as smishing, a form of phishing conducted through SMS text messaging. The texts originate from random phone numbers and email addresses not actually associated with the Postal Service. The messages are made to appear as if they are from USPS support teams or customer service to trick recipients into believing the notification is real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The texts often start with \u201cUSPS\u201d or \u201cUnited States Postal Service\u201d and some version of stating that a problem with the shipping address is preventing delivery. Two examples of the fraudulent USPS texts include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- “USPS: Your shipment has arrived at the transit center, but due to an incomplete shipping address, your shipment has been placed on hold. [Malicious Link] Sincerely, USPS Customer Service.<\/em>“<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- “USPostal: Your package has arrived at the transit center, but we are unable to continue delivery due to missing address details. [Malicious Link] Best regards, The United States Postal Service<\/em>.”<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If a recipient clicks on the link, they are taken to a fake USPS site that looks like the real USPS site, but has a slightly different URL and web address. The scam websites are extremely convincing and sophisticated, formatted to mimic actual Postal Service sites with USPS logos, colors, graphics, and web links.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These imitation sites even have forms prompting the user to enter details like their name, address, phone number, and sometimes even financial information, account usernames, and passwords. All information entered on these fraudulent sites goes directly to the scammers behind the phishing scam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Millions of these fake USPS texts are being sent to random phone numbers across the U.S. Most people receiving the messages do not have a package actually arriving and stuck in transit. The texts are blanketly distributed with the hope that some recipients will believe a real package is awaiting them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For those who recently placed an online order for merchandise now anxiously awaiting their goods, the message incites even greater urgency and likelihood to comply with the call to action out of fear their items will be returned to sender. However, no matter the circumstances, the texts are always scams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The USPS never communicates delivery issues via text, nor do they send links to sites outside of USPS.com. Any SMS messages or emails claiming to be Postal Service notifications regarding stalled packages or address problems are fraudulent. Unfortunately, many victims are falling for this trick and having their personal data compromised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The scam is designed to collect user information for identity theft purposes and infect devices with malware. The scale of impacted individuals continues growing as more of these bogus texts are blasted out across the U.S. Protect yourself and stay vigilant by learning how to identify this USPS smishing scam and others like it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How the USPS “Your Package Is On Hold” Scam Works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The USPS \u201cYour Package Is On Hold\u201d scam unfolds in several key stages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Receiving the Fraudulent Text<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The scam initiates with a smartphone user receiving an SMS text message stating that a package addressed to them has arrived at a USPS transit hub but cannot be delivered due to some shipping address issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The message will look like it comes from a legitimate USPS contact and often begins with \u201cUSPS\u201d or \u201cUnited States Postal Service.\u201d The content informs the recipient that a package intended for delivery to them is stuck at a postal facility because the shipping label lacks a complete delivery address, contains inaccurate address details, or has some other unspecified address problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A couple examples of the fraudulent text include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- \u201cUSPS: Your package has arrived at our facility but is being held at our hub due to an incomplete shipping address label. Please visit: [malicious link] to update your delivery address so we can complete delivery of your package. Thanks, USPS Delivery Support.\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cUnited States Postal Service: Our records indicate we have a shipment for you that cannot be delivered because of an invalid destination address. Please tap here: [malicious link] to verify and correct your shipping address so we can complete delivery of your package successfully. USPS Customer Service.<\/em>\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The messages give an air of urgency to incentivize the recipient to take action. Terms like \u201cincomplete,\u201d \u201cinvalid,\u201d or \u201con hold\u201d imply the matter needs resolution quickly or the package may face return to sender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The texts capitalize on typical consumer frustrations with postal delays and missing mail. For victims anxiously awaiting online orders or important items, the phrasing preys on such concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Visiting the Fake USPS Site<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If the recipient taps the link, they are taken to what appears to be an official USPS site. The scam webpage mirrors legitimate Postal Service sites very convincingly with USPS branding, colors, graphics, navigation links, and domain name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, upon closer inspection, subtle differences reveal the fraudulent nature of the site. While seeming close to the real USPS.com URL, the domain will contain additional words or odd strings of numbers and letters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, instead of USPS.com\/packageinquiry, the link may direct to USPSonline-packagedelivery457.com. The scam sites are hosted on domains registered and controlled by the scammers specifically for this phishing campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, though the site looks remarkably similar to the real USPS site, the content itself is limited to just a few pages focused on the address update forms. No other true USPS site navigation or pages beyond the package delivery address update sections exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Submitting Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The fraudulent USPS site contains forms prompting users to enter details to \u201ccorrect\u201d or \u201cupdate\u201d their address before the package can be released from the transit center and delivered. An example form may request the following data:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Full name<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Phone number<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Email address<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Physical address<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- USPS delivery zip code<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Package tracking number<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Additional package origin\/destination details<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If users enter this information, all their personal details and contact information go straight into the hands of scammers to be used for identity theft or sold on the dark web.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In some cases, the forms even ask for account login credentials, credit card numbers, social security numbers, or other highly sensitive information that enable financial fraud and account compromise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Installing Malware<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In addition to stealing entered data, some fake USPS sites linked in the smishing texts may attempt to download or install malware onto victim\u2019s devices. The sites may feature pop-up windows to \u201cupdate security settings\u201d where users are prompted to click to download a file or enable external app permissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Granting such access can infect phones or computers with spyware, adware, keyloggers, info-stealing Trojans, and other malicious software designed to monitor activity and extract confidential information. The malware can secretly obtain usernames, passwords, financial details, and other sensitive data at huge risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Scammers Use the Stolen Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Once scammers behind the USPS smishing scam collect user information, it is leveraged for illicit activities like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Identity theft – Full names, addresses, birthdates, etc. are used to impersonate victims and commit fraud in their names.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Phishing – Email addresses and phone numbers are added to phishing databases for distributing additional scam attempts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Financial theft – Bank account and credit card data enables scammers to steal funds or make unauthorized transactions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Account compromise – Login credentials allow scammers to directly access and take over the victim\u2019s online accounts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dark web sales – All collected data may be sold on the dark web to identity thieves and other cybercriminals, resulting in even more unknown fraud.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ransomware – Compromised personal data gives scammers leverage to launch ransomware campaigns or threats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Malware-based theft – Any malware installed extracts additional sensitive info over weeks or months that gets forwarded to the scammers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Spamming – In a final insult, victims\u2019 email addresses are added to spam email lists for distribution of unwanted advertisements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The cumulative effects of these fraud activities stemming from the initial USPS smishing scam can be extensive. A single pieces of data like an email address or phone number enables a cascading sequence of criminal misuse and access to additional details. Victims suffer from compromised finances, identities, sensitive accounts, and devices in addition to time and effort resolving the fallout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Difficulty Getting Help from USPS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Victims who realize they were scammed struggle to get assistance from USPS to recover from the fraud and misuse of their information. Since the attack did not actually occur on USPS systems or sites, the Postal Service has limited capability to aid victims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
USPS will try to take down the fraudulent domains pretending to operate on their behalf. However, plenty more mimic sites arise. The most USPS may offer are mail-forwarding or address change services to prevent physical mail fraud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Victims are generally left attempting to resolve identity theft, financial fraud, and account access on their own through banks, credit bureaus, online merchants, and other providers. These processes to undo the damages inflicted can be tedious, stressful, and time-consuming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This lack of help from USPS itself to rectify the phishing attack aftermath further exemplifies the separate systems and data breaches occurring here outside USPS infrastructure. By targeting random civilians not actually expecting packages, scammers maximize success while minimizing protective involvement by USPS against their mimicking scams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What to Do If You Are Victimized By The USPS “Your Package Is On Hold” Scam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you receive a text from USPS, UPS, FedEx, or any other delivery service claiming your package is stuck somewhere unless you enter your personal details, do not click the link or provide any information. However, if you did engage with the scam website and shared any data, here are important steps to take:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do Not Provide Any More Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you realize you may have been fooled by a fake USPS site, immediately cease entering or submitting any additional personal data to the website. The more information given, the greater risk of identity theft and irreversible account access and financial theft. Strictly avoid further interaction with the fraudulent site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contact Banks and Financial Institutions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If any banking information, credit card numbers, account logins, or other financial data was shared on the phishing site, urgently alert those providers regarding potential compromise. Ask them to monitor for suspicious activity and enact heightened security protocols on your behalf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Updating passwords and enabling two-factor authentication where possible should occur to block scammers from accessing financial accounts. Request assistance disputing any unauthorized transactions conducted in your name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Report Malicious Links and Domains<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Notify trusted cybersecurity authorities regarding the fake USPS smishing texts and phishing site links. Provide phone numbers, web addresses, and any other details to assist their investigations in dismantling the scams. Recommended contacts include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Local police department fraud division<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- FBI Cyber Crime Division: ic3.gov<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- USPS Postal Inspectors: uspis.gov<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): reportfraud.ftc.gov<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Anti-Phishing Working Group: apwg.org<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- SMS short code 7726 (spell SPAM)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Reporting the scam helps prevent continued victimization, aids tracking and prosecuting cybercriminals, and contributes to strengthening defensive measures across organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Run Anti-Malware Scans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If prompted to download any files to your computer or phone from the fake USPS smishing site, conduct a full system scan using updated and trusted malware protection software. Scan all devices that accessed the scam links.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The scam sites may have stealthily seeded malware to extract more of your personal data in the background. Thorough scans can detect and quarantine such threats before additional damage occurs. Enable real-time protective monitoring as well for ongoing defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reset All Account Passwords<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If asked to enter any usernames or passwords on the phishing site, assume those credentials are compromised. Immediately reset the passwords of any accounts whose login information was entered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apply updated, unique passwords to every account connected to the details given to the scammers. Using a password manager helps create and organize strong credentials for each account. Enable two-factor authentication as well wherever possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Place Fraud Alerts and Freeze Credit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Since full personal information was likely exposed, report to the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) that you were the victim of identity theft. Request fraud alerts be placed on your credit reports to flag suspicious activity. You can also proactively enact credit freezes to block scammers from opening unauthorized accounts in your name. Monitor credit reports carefully for signs of misuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Update Personal Information With Companies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Contact all providers that may have records containing the personal details handed to the phishing scam site and update your name, phone number, address, email, and other info. Creating new contact points prevents scammers from accessing existing accounts. Be sure to communicate only over known good channels, not via any information previously exposed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Carefully Monitor Accounts and Credit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Remain extremely vigilant about reviewing all financial statements, online accounts, and credit reports to identify any indications of access or identity theft stemming from the scam. Precautionary monitoring may be necessary for years following significant personal data compromise. Consider enrolling in identity theft protection services as another layer of defense.<\/p>\n\n\n
Is Your Device Infected? Run a Free Malware Scan<\/h2>\n\n
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<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n
The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:<\/p>\n\n
- \n
- Adware<\/strong> \u2014 the cause of those annoying pop-ups<\/li>\n
- Browser hijackers<\/strong> \u2014 unwanted redirects and changed homepages<\/li>\n
- Trojans and spyware<\/strong> \u2014 hidden programs stealing your data<\/li>\n
- Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs)<\/strong> \u2014 software you never asked for<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
\ud83d\udc49 Select your device below<\/strong> \u2014 Windows, Mac, or Android \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n
- Browser hijackers<\/strong> \u2014 unwanted redirects and changed homepages<\/li>\n
- Adware<\/strong> \u2014 the cause of those annoying pop-ups<\/li>\n
- \u201cUnited States Postal Service: Our records indicate we have a shipment for you that cannot be delivered because of an invalid destination address. Please tap here: [malicious link] to verify and correct your shipping address so we can complete delivery of your package successfully. USPS Customer Service.<\/em>\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- “USPostal: Your package has arrived at the transit center, but we are unable to continue delivery due to missing address details. [Malicious Link] Best regards, The United States Postal Service<\/em>.”<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n