Identifying Authentic USPS Texts: A Guide
In the digital age, it's essential to stay vigilant against text message scams, particularly those pretending to be from the United States Postal Service (USPS). Here's a guide to help you identify and avoid USPS text scams, ensuring your personal information remains secure.
Firstly, it's crucial to understand that USPS only sends text messages if you explicitly opt in. Legitimate USPS SMS alerts are triggered by customers themselves, either by subscribing on the USPS website or by texting their tracking number to 28777 (2USPS) to request updates. If you receive an unsolicited text about a delivery when you never opted in or have no expected package, it is likely a scam.
Secondly, be wary of any text containing links. Scam texts usually contain suspicious or misspelled URLs disguised as USPS links. USPS messages never include links; instead, you should visit the official USPS website directly to verify delivery information or manage shipments.
Thirdly, USPS will never ask for payment via text message. Any SMS that demands payment or claims unpaid charges is fraudulent. To verify suspicious messages, independently locate the USPS website or customer service phone number to check your package status. Use trusted resources such as the USPS Informed Delivery service for official notifications.
When in doubt, scrutinise the sender’s phone number and message content carefully. Scams may use phone numbers registered overseas or mimic USPS branding to deceive recipients.
To protect your information further, consider setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) for your USPS account and other important services. Installing reputable antivirus software can help detect and block malware in text messages. Enabling built-in mobile carrier security features can also enhance text message safety.
Mobile security apps that scan messages in real-time, watch for threats in a database, block bad numbers automatically, and use machine learning to find scams can provide an extra layer of protection. Spam filtering apps can also automatically identify suspicious messages.
If you suspect a scam, do not click any links, reply to the message, or engage with the sender. Instead, report the text to mobile carriers, block the sender's number, and contact the authorities. AI-powered scam detection technology can warn users quickly if a message looks fishy.
The USPS communicates through text messages using the number 28777 (2USPS). Real USPS texts have a tracking number, provide clear delivery or pickup details, and do not ask for personal information via text. The Informed Delivery service is another way to get USPS updates.
Tools such as mobile carrier reporting systems, emailing [email protected], and reporting to FTC Complaint Assistant can help enhance text security. Regularly checking official USPS websites, subscribing to cybersecurity newsletters, and signing up for email alerts about current scams can also help stay informed about text message scams.
In summary, to confirm if a USPS text message is real, ensure you have opted in for notifications, avoid clicking on any links in the text, never pay fees via text, and verify delivery details directly through the official USPS website or services. If you suspect a scam, report the message to USPS or federal authorities. This approach will protect you against fake delivery messages that aim to steal your information or money.
- Legitimate USPS SMS alerts are triggered by customers themselves, often after opting in on the USPS website or by texting their tracking numbers to 2USPS (28777).
- It's important to note that USPS messages never include links; instead, you should visit the official USPS website directly to verify delivery information or manage shipments.
- Any SMS that demands payment or claims unpaid charges is fraudulent. To verify suspicious messages, independently locate the USPS website or customer service phone number to check your package status.
- Enabling two-factor authentication for your USPS account and other important services, installing antivirus software, and setting up mobile carrier security features can help protect your information from potential scams.
- If you suspect a scam, do not engage with the sender, but instead report the text to mobile carriers, block the sender's number, and contact the authorities. Regularly checking official USPS websites and subscribing to cybersecurity newsletters can help keep you informed about text message scams.
