How it works
The text says a delivery failed and links to a site that looks like USPS, UPS or FedEx. You are asked for a small fee (often $0.30 to $3) to reschedule. The real target is your card number, and sometimes your Social Security number (FTC Data Spotlight, Apr 2025).
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service says USPS tracking texts only come if you signed up for them, and even then they do not include a link unless you requested it (USPIS).
Look up the number that contacted you
Carrier, line type and location are free. Private: nobody is notified.
What to do
- Do not click. Track packages by typing the carrier's website yourself and entering the tracking number from your order confirmation.
- For USPS-branded texts, the Postal Inspection Service asks you to email a screenshot to spam@uspis.gov.
- Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) so your carrier can block the sender, then delete them. Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- If you entered card details, call your bank. If you entered your SSN, go to IdentityTheft.gov.