You’re sitting on the couch, your phone pings, and there it is: a text message from the "USPS" telling you your package is held up because of a missing house number. It looks official. It feels urgent. You might even be expecting a package from that online order you placed three days ago. But before you tap that link, you need to know something.
The short answer? Yes, the USPS can text you, but they almost certainly didn't just now.
Honestly, the Postal Service is one of the most impersonated brands in the world. Scammers love the USPS because everybody gets mail. It’s the perfect "in." But the actual United States Postal Service has very strict, almost annoying rules about how they talk to you. They don't just "reach out" to chat about your delivery.
Will the USPS Text You Out of the Blue?
Basically, no. The USPS does not send unsolicited text messages.
If you didn't specifically go to the official website, type in a tracking number, and check a box that says "send me updates," you aren't going to get a text. They don't have your phone number sitting in a giant rolodex waiting to be used. They don't keep it on file from your last stamp purchase.
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Unless you initiated the request, any text you get claiming to be from the Postal Service is a scam. Period. This type of fraud is called "smishing" (SMS phishing), and it’s become an epidemic in 2026.
The Only Ways You Get a Real USPS Text
There are really only three legitimate scenarios where a text from the Post Office is actually real:
- You Texted Them First: You can actually text a tracking number to 28777 (2USPS). They will text you back with the latest status. This is a one-and-done interaction unless you ask for more.
- Tracking Website Opt-in: While looking at your tracking info on USPS.com, you clicked the "Text Tracking" dropdown and entered your number.
- Informed Delivery Alerts: If you’re a power user with an Informed Delivery account, you may have toggled on SMS alerts for all incoming packages.
How to Spot the Fakes (The "Smishing" Red Flags)
Scammers have gotten better. They used to have terrible grammar and weird characters, but now they use sophisticated templates. However, they almost always fail one specific test.
The USPS will never, ever include a link in a tracking text.
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If the text has a link like usps-delivery-update.com or track-package-post.org, it is 100% fake. Real USPS texts are purely informational. They tell you the status, the date, and the time. If there’s a problem with your address, they don't ask you to "click here" to fix it; they usually just update the tracking status to "Insufficent Address" and you have to handle it through the official site or your local post office.
No Payments Allowed
Another dead giveaway? A request for money.
The USPS will never text you to demand a "redelivery fee" or a "customs tax." If a package requires additional postage, the carrier usually leaves a physical peach-colored slip (Form 3849) on your door. They don't send a digital invoice via text message.
If you see a request for $1.99 to "reschedule" your delivery, close the app. They want your credit card info, not your two dollars.
The "28777" Rule
Every legitimate tracking text from the USPS comes from the same five-digit short code: 28777.
If the message comes from a standard 10-digit phone number, it’s a scam. Even if the number has a local area code that looks familiar, ignore it. Scammers "spoof" numbers to make them look like they’re coming from your neighborhood.
Wait.
There is one tiny exception. If you've scheduled a passport appointment through the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler, you might get a message from 69975. But for package tracking? It’s 28777 or nothing.
What Should You Do If You Get a Fake Text?
Don't reply "STOP."
I know it sounds counterintuitive. Usually, "STOP" is how you get off a list. But with scammers, replying to the message—even to complain—just confirms that your phone number is active and that a human is reading the messages. This makes your number more valuable to them, and they’ll sell it to other scammers.
Instead, do this:
- Report to 7726: This is the universal "SPAM" reporting number for most cell carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile). Copy the message and forward it there.
- Email the Postal Inspection Service: Take a screenshot of the text and send it to spam@uspis.gov. This helps the "Post Office Cops" (yes, they are real and they are very intense) track the domains scammers are using.
- Delete and Block: Just get it off your phone so you don't accidentally click it later while you're distracted.
Taking Action: Secure Your Mail
If you’re genuinely worried about a missing package, stop looking at your texts. Go straight to the source. Open your browser, type in usps.com manually, and paste your tracking number there. If the official site says your package is moving, you're fine. If it says there's a problem, you can resolve it through their secure portal.
For the best protection, sign up for the real Informed Delivery service on the official USPS website. It's free. It lets you see grayscale images of your actual mail before it arrives. This way, if you get a weird text, you can just check your dashboard and see if there’s actually a package coming your way today.
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Stay skeptical. The Post Office is many things, but "proactive about texting you" isn't one of them.
Next Steps to Stay Safe:
- Verify your tracking: Only use the official USPS Tracking tool.
- Report the scam: Forward any suspicious text to 7726 and then to spam@uspis.gov.
- Check your settings: If you use Informed Delivery, log in and ensure your notification settings are exactly what you want them to be.
- Never click links: Train yourself to never click a link in a text message that you didn't explicitly ask for 30 seconds prior.