USPS "Your Package Could Not Be Delivered" — Email and Text Scam
You received a message claiming to be from USPS saying your package couldn't be delivered and you need to update your address or pay a small fee. USPS does not charge redelivery fees or ask for personal information this way. This is a phishing scam.
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How This Scam Works
High Risk — Trending Delivery Scam
USPS does not charge redelivery fees or request personal information through email or text links. Legitimate delivery issues are handled through usps.com or a physical notice left at your door.
You receive an email or text message claiming to be from the United States Postal Service (USPS) saying your package could not be delivered. The message asks you to click a link to update your delivery address, schedule redelivery, or pay a small fee (usually $1 to $3) to release your package.
The link leads to a fake USPS website that asks for your name, address, and credit card information. The small fee is a pretext — the real goal is to capture your financial details for larger fraudulent charges. Some versions also install tracking software on your device.
The USPS reported a dramatic increase in "smishing" (SMS phishing) campaigns impersonating the postal service starting in 2023. The FBI's IC3 warned that USPS-branded phishing was among the top-reported scam types, with millions of fraudulent messages sent each month.
Red Flags
- Claims your package couldn't be delivered and asks you to pay a fee
- Sender address or phone number is not from usps.com
- Link does not point to usps.com
- Requests credit card information for a 'redelivery fee' (USPS doesn't charge this)
- Contains a tracking number that doesn't match any real shipment
USPS provides free redelivery — they never charge a fee. If a delivery is missed, a physical notice (PS Form 3849) is left at your address.
What You Should Do
What To Do
- Do not click any links in the message
- Check the tracking number directly at usps.com/manage/trackpackages
- Look for a physical redelivery notice at your door
- If you entered payment details, contact your bank immediately
- Report the scam to USPS and the FTC
How to Verify Legitimately
Go directly to usps.com and use the Tracking tool to check your package status. If USPS attempted delivery, there will be a scan event showing the attempt and a physical Form 3849 left at your location. You can schedule free redelivery at usps.com/redelivery.
Sources
- USPS — Scams and Scheme Alerts — Package delivery scam warnings from the Postal Inspection Service
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) 2023 Annual Report — USPS-branded phishing advisories