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Does USPS Send Text Messages About Delivery? Unraveling the Truth Behind Postal Notifications

The short answer is yes, the USPS (United States Postal Service) can send text messages about delivery, but only under very specific circumstances. This isn’t a widespread, automatic service. Generally, you’ll receive texts from USPS only if you’ve proactively signed up for USPS Tracking updates for a specific package or have enrolled in a service like Informed Delivery. Be extremely cautious, as unsolicited texts claiming to be from USPS are overwhelmingly scams.

Understanding USPS Text Message Notifications

The USPS, like any large organization, is continually evolving its communication strategies. While snail mail remains its bread and butter, the digital age demands more immediate forms of contact. The key to understanding USPS text messages is recognizing the initiating action. The USPS will almost never send you a text message out of the blue.

USPS Tracking: When you track a package on the USPS website (usps.com) and provide your phone number, you can opt-in to receive text updates about its progress. These updates might include confirmation of shipment, arrival at a local facility, or notification of delivery. This is a legitimate use of text messaging by USPS.
Informed Delivery: This free service provides digital previews of your mail and package deliveries arriving soon. While Informed Delivery primarily utilizes email, certain notifications about package deliveries might also be sent via text if you’ve configured your account to do so.
Specific USPS Services: Certain specialized USPS services, such as those requiring confirmation or special handling, might involve text message communication, but this is less common.

Recognizing the Red Flags: Identifying USPS Text Scams

Because of the limited, opt-in nature of genuine USPS texts, unsolicited messages claiming to be from the postal service should be treated with extreme suspicion. These scams are rampant and often aim to steal your personal information or financial data. Here are some telltale signs:

Requests for Payment: The USPS will never ask for payment via text message for postage, redelivery fees, or any other reason. This is the most common and blatant scam tactic.
Links to Suspicious Websites: Scam texts almost always contain links to fake websites designed to look like the official USPS site. These sites are designed to steal your login credentials, credit card information, or other sensitive data. Never click on links in unsolicited text messages purporting to be from USPS. Always access the USPS website directly by typing usps.com into your browser.
Generic Greetings and Urgent Language: Scam texts often use generic greetings like “Dear Customer” and employ urgent language designed to scare you into acting quickly without thinking. For example, a message might threaten to hold your package if you don’t pay a fee immediately.
Incorrect Grammar and Spelling: While scammers are becoming more sophisticated, many scam texts still contain grammatical errors and spelling mistakes that are not typical of official USPS communications.
Requests for Personal Information: Legitimate USPS communications will rarely, if ever, ask you to provide personal information such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or passwords via text message.
Unsolicited and Unexpected: If you haven’t specifically signed up for tracking updates or Informed Delivery, a text message claiming to be from USPS should be considered highly suspicious.

What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious USPS Text

Do Not Click Any Links: This is the most important rule. Clicking on a link in a scam text message could expose your device to malware or redirect you to a phishing website.
Do Not Provide Any Personal Information: Never provide your personal information, financial details, or login credentials in response to a suspicious text message.
Report the Scam: Report the scam to the USPS Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). You can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Block the Sender: Block the sender’s phone number to prevent them from sending you further messages.
Delete the Message: After reporting and blocking the sender, delete the suspicious text message from your phone.

FAQs About USPS Text Message Delivery Notifications

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of USPS text message notifications and how to stay safe from scams:

1. How do I sign up for USPS tracking updates via text?

You can sign up for tracking updates on the USPS website (usps.com) when you track a specific package. After entering the tracking number, you will see an option to receive updates via text message. You will need to provide your phone number and agree to the terms and conditions.

2. Is Informed Delivery free?

Yes, Informed Delivery is a free service offered by the USPS. It allows you to digitally preview your mail and manage your package deliveries.

3. What kind of information is included in USPS tracking text updates?

USPS tracking text updates may include information about when your package was shipped, when it arrived at a local facility, when it’s out for delivery, and when it was delivered.

4. What should I do if I accidentally clicked on a link in a suspicious USPS text message?

If you accidentally clicked on a link, immediately change your passwords for any accounts that you think might be at risk, especially your email, bank, and social media accounts. Run a scan on your device with a reputable antivirus program to check for malware.

5. Can I stop receiving USPS tracking text updates?

Yes, you can stop receiving USPS tracking text updates by replying to the text message with the word “STOP.”

6. Does the USPS use a specific shortcode for sending text messages?

While specific shortcodes might vary, be wary of messages from unfamiliar or unusually long numbers. Official USPS communications usually don’t come from personal phone numbers. Double-check any sender with the USPS directly if you’re unsure.

7. What if I’m expecting a package, but I haven’t signed up for tracking updates and receive a text message?

This is a major red flag. As mentioned earlier, the USPS rarely sends texts without prior registration. Verify the delivery through official channels like the USPS website using your tracking number (if you have it) or contacting USPS customer service directly.

8. How can I report a fake USPS website that I was redirected to from a scam text message?

You can report fake websites to the USPS Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG). You can also report it to Google Safe Browsing.

9. Will the USPS ever call me and ask for my credit card information?

No. The USPS will not call you and ask for your credit card information over the phone. This is a common scam tactic.

10. Is it safe to track my package on the USPS website?

Yes, it is generally safe to track your package on the official USPS website (usps.com). Make sure that the website address is correct and that the connection is secure (look for the padlock icon in the address bar).

11. How can I verify if a text message is actually from the USPS?

The best way to verify a text message is to contact the USPS directly through their official website or customer service phone number. Do not use any contact information provided in the text message itself.

12. Does Informed Delivery show me images of all my mail?

Informed Delivery provides digital previews of letter-sized mail that is processed through automated equipment. It may not show images of every single piece of mail you receive. It is also important to note that enrollment requires identity verification.

By being aware of the signs of USPS text scams and following these guidelines, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim. Remember, caution and skepticism are your best defenses against these pervasive online threats. Stay vigilant and always verify any communication purportedly from the USPS through official channels.