USPS impersonation scams

What this scam usually looks like

A text or email claims a USPS parcel is held and needs a small fee, address confirmation, or 'customs' payment through a link.

What the real USPS will never ask for

A delivery 'fee' paid through a link in a text or email
Your card or bank details to 'release' a parcel
Your account password or a one-time code

Common fake message patterns

Sanitised examples - placeholders only, never real links or data.

Example only: USPS: your package is held - pay the redelivery fee: [fake-link removed]

Common red flags

A small 'delivery', 'customs', or 'redelivery' fee request
A link to pay or reschedule instead of the official USPS site
Tracking numbers that do not match anything you ordered
Pressure to pay quickly or the parcel will be returned
Look-alike domains imitating 'USPS'

How to verify safely

Track parcels only on the official USPS website, typed yourself.
Genuine carriers do not ask for card details by text link.
Ignore and delete unexpected fee requests.
Contact USPS through official channels if expecting a parcel.

What not to do

Do not click links in unexpected USPS messages.
Do not share passwords, OTPs, or card details prompted by a USPS message.
Do not call phone numbers contained in the message.

If you already clicked or paid

If you entered details on a fake USPS page or paid, act fast: change your password from a trusted device, enable two-factor authentication, and contact USPS and (if money or card details were involved) your bank through official channels.

See the step-by-step recovery guides and your country's reporting options.

Got a message like this?

Paste it into the checker to see the specific red flags and what to do next.

Check a message

Smishing (SMS phishing)Smishing is phishing carried out through SMS text messages, often impersonating delivery companies, banks, or government agencies.Fake delivery scamA fake parcel message asks for a small fee or details to release a delivery, capturing your card or login.Brand impersonationScammers copy a trusted brand's name, look, and tone to make fake messages seem real.

Official USPS security & reporting

USPIS - report mail fraud & phishing Needs manual review

Report USPS-related phishing and mail fraud.

Source type: police · Last checked 2026-06-05
https://www.uspis.gov/report

Related USPS scam messages you can check

Related scam-type hubs

Delivery and courier scams

Related platforms

Report in your country

united states

Related red flags

Sources

Official USPS security pagesInformational

External sites open in a new tab and are not controlled by this website. We link to them for reference and do not endorse or guarantee their content. Always confirm you are on the official domain before acting.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if a USPS message is real?

Do not judge by how official it looks. Open the genuine USPS app or type the official website yourself and check there. Never use links or phone numbers from the message.

Is this website affiliated with USPS?

No. This page is educational only and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by USPS. The USPS name is used only to explain common impersonation scams.

What should I do if I already entered details on a fake USPS page?

Change your password from a trusted device, turn on two-factor authentication, and contact USPS through official channels. If card or bank details were shared, contact your bank immediately.

Reviewed by the ScamMessageChecker.com editorial team. Last reviewed 2026-06-01. Spotted something out of date? Tell us so we can review it. See how we assess scam risk.