USPS/UPS Delivery Text Scam (Smishing)
Americans lost $470 million to text scams in 2024, according to the FTC.
Quick Answer
Fake package delivery text scams, also known as smishing, were the most reported type of text message scam in 2024, contributing to consumer losses of $470 million.
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How It Works
1
You receive an unexpected text message that appears to be from a major delivery carrier like the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), UPS, or FedEx.
2
The message claims there is a problem with a package delivery, such as an incomplete address, an unpaid fee, or a need to reschedule. It creates a sense of urgency, demanding you act within a short timeframe.
3
The text includes a link that directs you to a fraudulent website that looks like the official carrier's site. This fake site is designed to steal your personal and financial information, such as your credit card number, Social Security number, or login credentials.
4
In some cases, clicking the link may install malware on your device, which can silently steal your information or monitor your activity.
Red Flags
- You receive an unsolicited text about a package you did not order or send.
- The message contains spelling and grammatical errors or uses awkward phrasing.
- The message demands immediate action or threatens that the package will be returned.
- The link in the text message uses a strange URL or a non-official domain instead of usps.com, ups.com, or fedex.com.
- The message asks for a small payment or "redelivery fee" to complete the delivery.
- You are asked to provide personal or financial information directly via a link in a text.
- The sender's phone number is a personal number rather than an official short code used by businesses.
What to Do If Targeted
- Do not click on any links or reply to the message. Replying confirms your number is active.
- If you are expecting a package, go directly to the official carrier's website (e.g., usps.com, ups.com) and enter the tracking number yourself to check the status.
- Delete the suspicious text message from your phone.
- Block the sender's phone number to prevent future contact.
- If you clicked the link, disconnect your device from the internet immediately, run an anti-malware scan, and change your passwords for financial and email accounts.
- If you entered financial information, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report potential fraud and monitor your accounts.
How to Report It
- FTC — Report the fraudulent text to the Federal Trade Commission.
- FBI IC3 — File a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
- USPIS — For USPS-specific scams, forward a screenshot of the text to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at spam@uspis.gov.
- Cell Carrier — Forward the unwanted text message to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider block similar messages.
- FCC — File a complaint about phone scams, robocalls, or unwanted calls with the Federal Communications Commission.
- AARP Fraud Helpline — Call 877-908-3360 for free support from trained fraud specialists. Available to anyone, not just AARP members.
Key Statistics
- Consumers reported losing $470 million to scams that started with text messages in 2024. — FTC 2025
- Fake package delivery messages were the most-reported text scam in 2024. — FTC 2025
- Reported losses to text scams in 2024 were more than five times higher than the amount reported in 2020. — FTC 2025
- The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received 859,532 complaints in 2024, with total reported losses exceeding $16.6 billion. — FBI IC3 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
A delivery text scam, or smishing, is a fraudulent text message pretending to be from a legitimate delivery service like USPS or UPS. The message claims there's an issue with a package and includes a link to a fake website designed to steal your personal and financial information.
While carriers offer text notifications for package tracking, you must sign up for this service first. They will not send unsolicited texts with links asking for personal information or payments. Legitimate texts from USPS will not contain a link.
Clicking the link can take you to a phishing website that steals any information you enter, such as your credit card or Social Security number. It can also trigger the download of malware onto your device, which can steal your data or spy on your activity.
In 2024, consumers reported losing $470 million to scams that started with text messages, and fake package delivery alerts were the most common type reported. These losses are more than five times higher than what was reported in 2020.
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