A text says the post office couldn't deliver your package. It asks for a small fee, or your address, or both. Millions of these go out every week, and almost every one is fake. Here's how to tell for sure.
“USPS: Your package could not be delivered due to an incomplete address. Confirm your details and pay a $1.99 redelivery fee within 24 hours: usps-redelivery-support.top”
A typical fake delivery text. The real USPS never sends anything like this.
How to tell
The real USPS does not text you first. They only text if you signed up for tracking on a specific package.
The real USPS never asks for money by text. There is no such thing as a texted redelivery fee.
Look at the web address. The real one is simply usps.com. Extra words and strange endings mean fake.
The tiny fee is the trick. Scammers don't want your $1.99 — they want the card number you type in to pay it.
What to do
1Don't tap the link. Delete the text.
2If you're expecting a package, go to usps.com yourself and enter your tracking number there.
3Not sure? Paste the text into CheckTwice and get an answer in seconds.
If you already clicked or paid
First: don’t blame yourself, and don’t hide it. Acting quickly matters more than anything else.
If you tapped the link but typed nothing: you're almost certainly fine. Just don't go back.
If you entered card details: call your bank using the number on the back of your card and say you may have entered your card on a fake site. They handle this every day and will replace the card.
Don't be embarrassed. These texts fool careful people because they arrive exactly when you're waiting for a package.
Worth remembering: Real delivery companies never ask you to pay a small fee by text. That tiny fee is the giveaway of a fake.