‘Don’t click the link!’: US Postal Service warns about delivery text scams

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The U.S. Postal Service wants people to beware of fake delivery texts, a scam tactic that has become very common.

The text message claims to be from the USPS and says your package can’t be delivered, prompting you to click a link and update your address. 

“If you never signed up for a USPS tracking request for a specific package, then don’t click the link!” the Postal Service said in a press release.

It said criminals want to obtain your personal information.

The Better Business Bureau said this information is used to carry out other crimes like identity theft.

The Federal Trade Commission said that in the first nine months of 2023, consumers reported losing $23.6 million to imposter scam text messages.

The BBB sees an uptick in this type of scam around the holiday season.

“What scammers are relying upon is folks who are purchasing a lot of packages this time of the year with the holidays coming up, and they’re relying on those folks not keeping track of them,” said Josh Planos of the BBB.

Officials said delivery companies typically send you updates through secure online portals, unless you sign up for texts.

“Delivery companies would never contact you unsolicited,” Planos said. “They won’t send you unsolicited calls or unsolicited text messages.”

If you become a victim, you can file a complaint directly with the Postal Service at spam@uspis.gov or with the Better Business Bureau.