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Will USPS Text You to Update Your Address? The Straight Scoop

The short answer is no, the United States Postal Service (USPS) will not text you unsolicited to update your address. Any text message claiming to be from the USPS asking for your address, especially with a link to click, is almost certainly a scam.

Understanding USPS Communication Practices

Let’s be clear: the USPS generally prefers to communicate through official channels, such as mail, their official website (USPS.com), or in person at a post office. They rarely, if ever, initiate contact with customers via text message, particularly to request sensitive information like your address, credit card details, or Social Security number. This is a critical point to understand because scammers exploit the USPS’s trusted brand to trick unsuspecting individuals.

Why Text Message Scams are so Prevalent

Text message scams, often referred to as “smishing” (a portmanteau of SMS and phishing), are rampant because they are relatively easy for criminals to execute. They can send out thousands of messages at once, hoping that a small percentage of recipients will fall for the ruse. These scams often involve:

Urgency: Creating a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly without thinking. For example, “Your package could not be delivered due to an incorrect address. Update now to avoid return to sender!”
Links to Phishing Websites: Directing you to a fake website that looks like the official USPS site, designed to steal your personal information.
Requests for Payment: Claiming you owe a small fee for redelivery or address verification.
Threats of Package Loss: Suggesting your package will be lost or delayed if you don’t take immediate action.

These tactics are effective because they play on our desire to receive our packages promptly and avoid any potential problems. This is why it is important to be diligent.

How to Spot a USPS Text Message Scam

Identifying a USPS text message scam is crucial to protecting yourself. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

Unsolicited Contact: You didn’t initiate the interaction with the USPS.
Generic Greetings: The message starts with a generic greeting like “Dear Customer” instead of your name.
Suspicious Links: The link doesn’t direct to the official USPS.com website. Hover over the link (without clicking) to see the actual URL. Look for misspellings or unusual domain names.
Requests for Personal Information: You are asked to provide sensitive information like your address, Social Security number, or credit card details.
Grammatical Errors and Typos: The message contains grammatical errors, typos, or awkward phrasing. Legitimate organizations usually have professional communications.
Sense of Urgency: The message creates a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act immediately.
Unexpected Fees: The message claims you owe money for redelivery or address verification, even if you haven’t ordered anything recently.

If you encounter any of these warning signs, treat the message with extreme caution.

What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Text

If you receive a suspicious text message claiming to be from the USPS, here’s what you should do:

Do Not Click the Link: Absolutely avoid clicking on any links in the message. This is the most important step to protect yourself from phishing scams and malware.
Report the Scam: Report the scam to the USPS and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The USPS has a dedicated email address for reporting scams: spam@uspis.gov. The FTC’s website is IdentityTheft.gov.
Delete the Message: After reporting the scam, delete the message from your phone.
Block the Sender: Block the sender’s phone number to prevent them from contacting you again.
Alert Others: Warn your friends, family, and colleagues about the scam so they can be on the lookout.

By taking these steps, you can help protect yourself and others from falling victim to USPS text message scams.

Ensuring Accurate Address Information

While the USPS won’t text you to update your address, it is still important to ensure that your address information is accurate. There are official ways to do this:

Official USPS Website: Use the official USPS.com website to change your address. This is the safest and most reliable method.
In Person at a Post Office: Visit your local post office and fill out a change-of-address form in person.
USPS Mobile App: Use the official USPS mobile app, available on iOS and Android, to manage your address and track packages.

Always use these official channels to ensure your information is secure and accurate.

FAQs: Addressing Your Concerns About USPS Texts and Address Updates

1. How can I confirm if a USPS text message is legitimate?

The easiest way to confirm is to never assume a text is legitimate. Instead, independently verify the information by visiting USPS.com directly or contacting USPS customer service through their official channels. Do not click on any links or provide any personal information in response to the text.

2. What happens if I accidentally clicked on a link in a suspicious USPS text?

If you clicked on a link, immediately change any passwords that you may have entered on the website, especially passwords for your email, banking, and other sensitive accounts. Monitor your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized activity. Consider running a virus scan on your device to check for malware.

3. Does the USPS ever send text alerts for package tracking?

Yes, but only if you explicitly sign up for text alerts through the USPS website or app. These alerts will typically provide tracking information and require no further action from you, and certainly won’t ask for personal information or payment.

4. What is the official USPS website for changing my address?

The official website is USPS.com. Make sure the URL is correct and that the site has a secure connection (HTTPS).

5. How much does it cost to change my address with the USPS?

Changing your address online through USPS.com costs $1.10 for identity verification. This fee helps prevent fraudulent change-of-address requests. Changing your address in person at a post office using a paper form is free.

6. What information do I need to change my address with the USPS?

You will need your old address, your new address, your move date, and your contact information. For online changes, you will also need a credit or debit card for the $1.10 identity verification fee.

7. How long does it take for my address change to take effect?

It typically takes 7 to 10 business days for your address change to take effect. You can choose a start date up to 90 days in the future.

8. Can I change my address if I am moving temporarily?

Yes, you can set up a temporary change of address with the USPS. This allows you to forward your mail to a temporary address for a specified period, ranging from 15 days to one year.

9. What is mail forwarding, and how does it work?

Mail forwarding is a service offered by the USPS that allows you to have your mail automatically forwarded from your old address to your new address for a specific period. It ensures that you continue to receive your mail even after you move.

10. What if I receive mail for the previous resident at my address?

If you receive mail for a previous resident, simply write “Not at this address” on the envelope and put it back in the mailbox. The USPS will return the mail to the sender.

11. How can I report a mail-related crime or fraud to the USPS?

You can report mail-related crimes or fraud to the USPS by contacting the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). You can file a report online through their website or by calling their hotline.

12. What is Informed Delivery, and how can it help me prevent mail fraud?

Informed Delivery is a free service offered by the USPS that allows you to digitally preview your mail and packages arriving soon. It provides you with images of the outside of your mailpieces, allowing you to see what’s coming and potentially identify any fraudulent or unexpected mail. This can help you proactively prevent mail fraud.

By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself from USPS text message scams and ensure your mail is delivered safely and securely. Remember, when in doubt, always err on the side of caution and verify information through official USPS channels.