USPS Email Scam Sends Fake Delivery Failure Notifications

For years, U.S. Postal Service (USPS) officials have warned people about USPS email scams with fake email notifications attempting to phish for personal information. The scam has resurfaced, with the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) receiving this USPS email scam:

With scams looking more legitimate each day, it is important that you know how to spot them and what to do to keep yourself safe.

Who are the Targets?

Email users

What is the Scam?

Individuals receive email notifications from scammers posing as the USPS, stating a package could not be delivered to their residence. The fake notification instructs the recipient to click on a link within the email in order to “print a delivery label and pick up the package at their local post office.” Unfortunately, victims of this scam who click on the link expose their computer to a virus that steals personal information.

In the latest version of the scam, the link takes victims to a website for them to re-enter their address and enter a payment card for a $3 fee to reship the package. All of the footer information is from USPS and takes people back to the legitimate USPS website.

What They Want

Personal Information, financial account information

Howto Avoid Being Scammed

  • The USPS does not send email notifications when they have a package for pick-up.
  • Always check with the source directly to see if the email is legitimate or a USPS email scam before clicking on any links or giving away personal information. Contact your local post office by phone.
  • Examine any suspicious emails closely. Poor grammar and spelling errors are a good indication that the email is fraudulent.
  • Report the scam by forwarding the email to spam@uspis.gov and then delete the email. For more information on other USPS scams, visit uspis.gov/tips-prevention.

If you think you may be a victim of identity theft, or have questions about the USPS email scam, contact the ITRC for toll-free assistance by phone (888.400.5530) or live-chat. Just go to www.idtheftcenter.org to get started.

This post was originally published on 11/15/16 and was updated on 7/9/21

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