Have you received a text message claiming to be from the Postal Service with a link to track a package? If you didn’t request Postal Service Tracking for that specific item, it’s likely a smishing scam. Don’t click the link!
Smishing is a type of phishing attack conducted through SMS messages. Scammers impersonate legitimate organizations like the USPS to trick you into revealing personal information. They often use urgent language and include a link to a fake website designed to steal your login credentials, financial data, or other sensitive information. The USPS uses 5-digit short codes for legitimate SMS communication.
These criminals seek Personally Identifiable Information (PII) including usernames, passwords, Social Security numbers, birth dates, credit card details, and PINs. This stolen data can be used for identity theft, financial fraud, and other criminal activities.
While the Postal Service does offer free online and text message-based postal service tracking tools, these services require user initiation and a valid tracking number. The USPS will never send unsolicited text messages or emails with tracking links. Legitimate tracking notifications will not contain a link.
If you’re expecting a package but receive a suspicious tracking text, don’t click any links. Instead, verify the message by visiting USPS.com directly or using the official USPS mobile app for secure postal service tracking. You can also report the suspicious message.
How to Report USPS Smishing Scams
If you receive a suspicious text message regarding postal service tracking:
- Don’t click the link.
- Copy the text message content.
- Take a screenshot of the message, including the sender’s number and date.
- Email this information to [email protected], including your name and any details about interactions with the scam (clicking the link, financial losses, information shared). The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will contact you if necessary.
- Forward the text message to 7726 (SPAM) to report the fraudulent phone number.
For non-USPS related smishing attempts, you can also report to:
- 7726 (SPAM)
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?orgcode=USPS
- The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at https://www.ic3.gov/complaint
By understanding how these scams operate and taking appropriate precautions, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of smishing and safeguard your personal information. Always access postal service tracking information through official channels.
