You're standing in line at the grocery store, and your phone buzzes. It's a text. "USPS: Your package is on hold due to a missing house number. Please update your details here: [https://www.google.com/search?q=shady-link.com]."
Honestly, it looks pretty real. The logo is there. The tone is urgent. You've actually been waiting on a pair of boots you ordered last Tuesday. But wait—does USPS send text messages or are you about to get scammed?
The short answer is yes, they do. But here's the catch: they almost certainly didn't send that one.
Understanding how the United States Postal Service actually communicates with you is the only way to keep your bank account safe in 2026. Scammers have become incredibly sophisticated, using "smishing" (SMS phishing) to bait people into handing over credit card info for a "redelivery fee" that doesn't actually exist.
The Real Deal: How USPS Text Tracking Actually Works
The Postal Service isn't just randomly texting every person who has a package in the mail. That would be a logistical nightmare. Instead, USPS only sends text messages if you specifically ask them to.
You have to be the one to start the conversation.
If you want updates on a specific box, you head over to the official USPS Tracking page. There, you'll see an option for "Text & Email Updates." You type in your number, check a few boxes for what kind of alerts you want—like when it leaves the facility or when it’s out for delivery—and hit save. Only then will your phone start buzzing.
There’s another way too. You can text your tracking number directly to 28777 (2USPS).
What a legitimate USPS text looks like
When the real USPS reaches out, the message is dry. It’s boring. It’s strictly functional. You won't find emojis or panicked language about your package being "returned to sender" within the hour.
A real message typically includes:
- The 5-digit short code 28777.
- The actual tracking number (which you should already recognize).
- A status update like "Delivered" or "Available for Pickup."
- Instructions to stop future alerts by replying "STOP."
Crucially, a real USPS text will never, ever include a link. If you see a URL in a text claiming to be the Post Office, delete it immediately. Even if it looks like "https://www.google.com/search?q=usps-delivery-update.com," it's a fake. The real agency doesn't need you to click a link to "fix" an address or pay a 30-cent fee via text.
Why You're Getting Those Fake "Warehouse" Texts
It’s annoying, right? You get three texts a day about a "dimly lit warehouse" or a "missing street name."
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Scammers use automated bots to blast thousands of numbers at once. They don't know you ordered something; they're just playing the odds. Since millions of Americans receive mail every single day, there's a high chance the recipient is actually expecting a package.
They use urgency to bypass your logic. "Action required!" or "Final notice!" triggers a stress response that makes you want to click before you think.
In 2025 and 2026, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) reported a massive surge in these smishing attacks. These criminals aren't just looking for a $1.99 redelivery fee. They want your full name, address, and credit card details so they can sell them on the dark web or drain your account.
The "Informed Delivery" Trap
Sometimes, people get confused because they signed up for Informed Delivery. This is a great, legitimate service where USPS sends you a "Daily Digest" of what’s coming to your mailbox.
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However, Informed Delivery is primarily an email-based service. While you can opt into text notifications for packages within the Informed Delivery dashboard, the same rule applies: no links, and it only happens because you clicked "Yes" in your account settings first.
Red Flags: How to Spot a Fake in 2 seconds
If you're staring at a message and wondering "does USPS send text messages like this?", look for these dead giveaways:
- The Link: As mentioned, this is the smoking gun. USPS does not use links in tracking texts.
- The Sender Number: Real alerts come from 28777. If the text is from a standard 10-digit phone number or an email address (which is a common trick now), it’s a scam.
- Grammar and Punctuation: "Your parcel have been hold." Professional agencies have editors. Scammers often don't.
- Requests for Money: USPS will never ask for a redelivery fee via text. If a package requires more postage, you’ll usually get a yellow slip (PS Form 3849) in your physical mailbox.
What to Do if You Already Clicked
Look, it happens to the best of us. If you clicked the link and—heaven forbid—entered your credit card info, you need to move fast.
First, call your bank. Tell them you've been a victim of a "smishing" scam. They’ll likely cancel your card and issue a new one.
Second, if you entered a password that you use for other accounts (like your email or Amazon), change it everywhere immediately. Use a password manager this time. It makes life easier.
Finally, report the scam. You can forward the fraudulent text to 7726 (which spells "SPAM"). This helps carriers block the sender. You should also email a screenshot of the text to spam@uspis.gov. This helps the Postal Inspection Service track the specific campaigns and shut down the domains the scammers are using.
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Actionable Steps for Your Next Package
To stay safe while still getting the info you need, follow this simple workflow:
- Manual Checks: Instead of clicking links, copy the tracking number from your order confirmation and paste it directly into the search bar at USPS.com.
- The App: Download the official USPS Mobile app. It’s safer than SMS because the data stays within the encrypted app environment.
- Block and Delete: Don't reply "STOP" to a scam text. That just tells the scammer your number is active and "live," which leads to more spam. Just block the number and delete the thread.
- Informed Delivery: Sign up for the official Informed Delivery service on the USPS website. It gives you a digital preview of your mail so you aren't left guessing if that "missed delivery" text is real.
Knowing the answer to does USPS send text alerts—and knowing the very specific way they do it—is your best defense. If you didn't ask for it, it's not for you. Keep your thumb off the links and your personal info behind the curtain.