This scam is one of the most widely reported in America right now, catching people who consider themselves tech-savvy — because it looks almost identical to a real USPS notification.
You receive a text claiming to be from USPS saying your package cannot be delivered due to an incomplete address. You are asked to pay a $1–$3 "redelivery fee" by clicking a link. The link goes to a fake website that steals your credit card number and billing information.
What the text looks like
The message typically reads: "USPS: Your package has been held at our facility due to an incomplete address. A small redelivery fee of $1.99 is required. Please update your information at: [fake link]". The link looks close to USPS but is slightly wrong — something like usps-delivery-update.com instead of the real usps.com.
Why the small fee is the trick
The $1–$3 fee is intentionally tiny. Scammers know people won't hesitate over a few dollars for a package. But the fee isn't the goal — your card number, expiration date, and CVV are the goal.
- USPS texts come from 5-digit short codes, not random phone numbers
- Real USPS links always go to usps.com — nothing else
- USPS never asks for payment via a text link
- Message creates urgency ("act within 24 hours")
- You weren't expecting a package
What to do
- Do not click the link. Delete the text immediately.
- If expecting a package, go directly to usps.com and use your tracking number.
- If you already clicked and entered card info, call your bank immediately and report your card as compromised.
- Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and forward the text to 7726.
Got a message that looks like this?
Paste it into ProtectMyCircle and get an instant plain-English verdict — free, no account needed.
Check it now — free