Does USPS ever text me a link?

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service says USPS will not text or email you unless you first requested tracking with a tracking number, and those messages will not contain a link. A USPS text with a link that you did not ask for is a scam.

I am expecting a package. How do I check it safely?

The FTC says to go to the store or account where you ordered and look up tracking there. You can also type the carrier's real website, like usps.com, into your browser yourself. Do not use any link or number from the text.

What if I already clicked the link?

The Postal Inspection Service says to notify your bank or card company if you interacted with the link, even if you did not hit submit. Use a phone number or website you know is real, not anything from the text.

Where do I report these texts?

Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) so your carrier can block the number, or use your messaging app's report junk option. Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For texts pretending to be USPS, you can also email a copy and a screenshot to spam@uspis.gov.

Spot fake package delivery texts before you click

Short answerFake USPS, FedEx and DHL texts send you to look alike sites to steal card numbers. Do not click. Check tracking where you ordered or at the carrier's real site, forward the text to 7726, and report it to the FTC.

Sources checked October 23, 2026. About 1 minute to read. If this page and an official source disagree, follow the official source.

Why this matters now

The FTC says fake package delivery problems were the most reported text scam in 2024. Many people paid a small “redelivery fee” that was really a trick to steal their card number. Holiday shopping means more real packages, and more fake texts.

How the scam works

A text says a package has unpaid postage, a missed delivery, or needs new shipping details. It has a link. The link opens a look alike of the USPS, FedEx or DHL site. Anything you type there, including your card number, name and address, goes to the scammer, the FTC says.

What to do instead

Do not click or reply. The FTC says scammers want you to react fast, so stop and check first.
Check tracking yourself. Open the store or account where you ordered and look up the shipment there, or type the carrier’s real site into your browser.
Know the USPS rule. The Postal Inspection Service says USPS only texts you if you requested tracking with a tracking number, and those texts never include a link.
Report it. Forward the text to 7726, or use your phone’s report junk option. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For fake USPS texts, you can also email the text and a screenshot to spam@uspis.gov.
Delete it.

If you already clicked

Contact your bank or card company using a phone number or website you know is real. The Postal Inspection Service says to do this even if you only opened the link and never hit submit.

Official sources

FTC Consumer Advice, Think that text message is from USPS? It could be a scamconsumer.ftc.govHow the scam works, checking tracking where you ordered, filters, forwarding to 7726, ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Smishing Package Tracking Text Scamsuspis.govUSPS only texts if you requested tracking, and those texts never contain a link. How to report to spam@uspis.gov.
FTC Data Spotlight, Top text scams of 2024ftc.govFake package delivery problems were the most reported text scam in 2024.

Common questions

Does USPS ever text me a link?
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service says USPS will not text or email you unless you first requested tracking with a tracking number, and those messages will not contain a link. A USPS text with a link that you did not ask for is a scam.
I am expecting a package. How do I check it safely?
The FTC says to go to the store or account where you ordered and look up tracking there. You can also type the carrier's real website, like usps.com, into your browser yourself. Do not use any link or number from the text.
What if I already clicked the link?
The Postal Inspection Service says to notify your bank or card company if you interacted with the link, even if you did not hit submit. Use a phone number or website you know is real, not anything from the text.
Where do I report these texts?
Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) so your carrier can block the number, or use your messaging app's report junk option. Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For texts pretending to be USPS, you can also email a copy and a screenshot to spam@uspis.gov.