USPS Redelivery Text Scam: What It Is and How to Protect Yourself

A new USPS scam has emerged, targeting online shoppers and consumers who frequently receive packages from the postal service. The scam involves a fake package delivery notification that appears to be from USPS, but is actually a phishing attempt to steal your personal and financial information. The scammers use fake tracking numbers, such as “US9214551863212, US9524901144737” and phone numbers, including 833-806-0916 and (929) 633-9945, to make the messages appear legitimate. In this article, we’ll discuss how the USPS package delivery scam works, the tactics that scammers use to trick people, and what you can do to protect yourself from falling victim to this type of fraud.

QUICK LINKS

• How the USPS Redelivery scam works
• Is Your USPS Message Legitimate? Here’s How to Check
• Is there really a USPS Redelivery Fee? Here’s the Truth You Need to Know

How the USPS Redelivery scam works

The USPS Redelivery scam is a type of phishing scam where scammers send fraudulent messages to individuals claiming that a package delivery was unsuccessful due to an incomplete or incorrect address. The message will usually contain a fake tracking number and a link to a fraudulent website that appears to be the official USPS website.

A typical USPS Redelivery Scam text reads as follows:

U.S.P.S
Delivery of your package can’t be completed due to your incomplete address info. Please update your address online asap. https://tiny.one/uusptresui-us

Once the victim clicks on the link, they will be redirected to a fake website that looks almost identical to the real USPS website. On this site, the victim is asked to provide their personal information such as their name, address, and credit card details, under the guise of verifying their shipping address or arranging a redelivery of their package.

The scammers then use this personal information to steal the victim’s identity, make unauthorized purchases with their credit card, or sell their personal information on the dark web.

It’s important to note that the USPS will never ask for your personal information via email or text message. If you receive a message requesting this information, it’s likely a scam. Be sure to verify the authenticity of any message or website by double-checking the tracking number or contacting the USPS directly before providing any personal information.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the USPS Redelivery scam works:

• The scam begins when the victim receives a text message or email that appears to be from the USPS. The message claims that a package delivery was unsuccessful because of an incomplete or incorrect address, and provides a fake tracking number to make the message appear legitimate.
• The message will typically urge the victim to take immediate action by clicking on a link to resolve the issue. The link leads to a fake website that appears to be the official USPS website, but is actually a fraudulent site designed to steal the victim’s personal information.
• Once the victim clicks on the link, they will be taken to a page that asks for their personal information, such as their name, address, and credit card details. The page may claim that this information is needed to verify the victim’s shipping address or arrange for redelivery of the package.
• The victim is then prompted to enter their credit card details and pay a small fee, usually in the range of $0.09 to $3.00, to arrange for redelivery. This is a red flag, as the USPS does not charge for redelivery.
• Once the victim enters their credit card information, the scammers behind the scheme can use it to make unauthorized purchases or steal the victim’s identity.
• In some cases, the victim may be redirected to a second fake website that claims to confirm the redelivery and may ask for additional personal information.
• The scammers may also use the victim’s personal information for future scams or sell it on the dark web to other cybercriminals.

Is Your USPS Message Legitimate? Here’s How to Check

If you receive a text or email claiming to be from USPS, it’s important to verify its authenticity before taking any action. Here are some steps you can take to check if a USPS message is legitimate:

1. Look for spelling and grammar errors. Scammers often make mistakes in their messages, so check for spelling and grammar errors as a red flag.
2. Look for the sender’s email address or phone number to make sure it is legitimate. Scammers often use fake email addresses or phone numbers that look like they are from USPS.
3. Check the message for urgency or threats. Scammers often use urgent language or threaten consequences to pressure you into taking action.
4. Do not click on any links in the message until you verify their authenticity. Scammers often use fake links to direct you to a phishing site.
5. Use online services such as VirusTotal or URLScan.io to scan the suspicious link before clicking on it. To do this, copy the URL of the suspicious link and paste it into the search bar of the VirusTotal or URLScan.io website.
6. If the message includes a tracking number, enter it into the official USPS website at https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input to verify its authenticity.
7. If you are still unsure about the legitimacy of a message, contact USPS directly to verify its authenticity.

By taking these steps, you can protect yourself from falling victim to the USPS Redelivery scam or any other phishing scams.

Is there really a USPS Redelivery Fee? Here’s the Truth You Need to Know

Scammers behind the USPS Redelivery scam often ask for a fee to supposedly redeliver your package. But does USPS really charge a redelivery fee? The answer is no. USPS offers redelivery for free, and there is no fee associated with scheduling a redelivery.

Despite this, scammers running the USPS Redelivery scam ask for a small fee to be paid through their fake websites, often in the range of $0.09 to $3.00. The scammers will ask for your credit card details, including your card number, expiration date, security code, and zip code, to process the supposed redelivery fee.

It’s important to remember that USPS does not charge a redelivery fee, and any website or text message claiming to be from USPS that asks for payment should be considered a scam. If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a message or website, it’s always best to verify with USPS directly.

Examples of such scams

Unfortunately, the USPS Redelivery Scam is not the only one of its kind. There are several other similar scams that fraudsters use to trick people into giving away their personal information and money. In this section, we will take a look at some of the other scams that you need to be aware of. By being informed, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these scams. Here are some examples of such scams: Financial Hardship Department Scam Email, Cash Settlement Awarded Email Scam, and Geek Squad Email Scam.

Threat Summary

Conclusion

In conclusion, the USPS Redelivery scam is a sophisticated phishing scheme designed to trick unsuspecting victims into giving away their personal and financial information. We have covered the inner workings of this scam, and provided you with the tools to detect and avoid falling victim to it. Remember to always verify the legitimacy of any messages or websites requesting your personal information, and to double-check with the official USPS website or customer service hotline. Additionally, we have debunked the myth of a redelivery fee, and urge you to be cautious of any site or message requesting such a fee. Stay vigilant and informed, and protect yourself from falling prey to these types of scams.