USPS does send text messages, but only if you signed up for them

The United States Postal Service sends text messages to people who have asked for them. USPS uses texts to notify you about package delivery, hold requests, and informed delivery summaries. However, USPS will not text you unless you specifically enrolled in their notification service or provided your phone number to a shipper who requested delivery updates.

The confusion happens because scammers send fake USPS texts constantly. These fraudulent messages claim your package is stuck, your address is wrong, or you need to pay a fee. A real USPS text comes only if you chose to receive it, and real USPS messages never ask you to click a link or provide personal information.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS sends text messages only to people who enrolled in their notification service through USPS.com or through a shipper's delivery tracking.
  • Real USPS texts inform you about delivery status, package holds, or informed delivery updates — they do not ask you to click links or pay fees.
  • Scam texts pretending to be from USPS are extremely common and often claim your package needs action or payment.
  • If you receive an unexpected USPS text, you can verify it by logging into USPS.com or calling your local post office directly.

How to sign up for USPS text notifications

To receive legitimate USPS texts, you must enroll through USPS.com. Go to the Informed Delivery section and create an account if you do not have one. During setup, you can choose to receive text alerts about package delivery and holds. USPS will ask for your phone number and confirm it by sending you a verification code.

You can also receive texts through a shipper. When you buy something online, the seller or carrier may offer delivery notifications by text. If you check that box during checkout, the carrier — which could be USPS, UPS, or FedEx — will text you updates. This is different from signing up directly with USPS, but the texts are still legitimate if they come from the carrier you chose.

What a real USPS text looks like

A genuine USPS text comes from a short number (usually five to six digits) and contains only information about your package. Real messages say things like "Your package is out for delivery today" or "Your package is being held at the post office." They may include a tracking number or ask you to pick up a package at a specific location.

Real USPS texts never ask you to click a link, verify your address, update payment information, or pay a fee. They do not ask for your Social Security number, bank details, or password. If a text claiming to be from USPS asks you to do any of these things, it is a scam.

How scammers fake USPS text messages

Scammers send fake USPS texts using spoofed numbers that look like they come from USPS or a delivery service. The messages often say your package could not be delivered because your address is incomplete, or that you owe a customs fee, or that you need to reschedule delivery. They include a link and ask you to click it to "resolve" the problem.

When you click the link, you land on a fake website that looks like USPS.com or a tracking page. The site asks you to enter your address, phone number, email, or payment information. Scammers then use this information to commit identity theft or fraud. Some fake texts also contain malware that infects your phone when you click the link.

How to verify a text is really from USPS

If you receive a text claiming to be from USPS and you are not sure whether it is real, do not click any links in the message. Instead, go directly to USPS.com in your web browser and log into your Informed Delivery account. Check your package status there. If a package is actually being delivered, you will see it in your account.

You can also call your local post office directly. Look up the number on USPS.com — do not use a number from the text message. Tell the postal worker your tracking number or address, and they can tell you whether USPS sent you a text about that package. If you never signed up for notifications and received a text anyway, it is definitely a scam.

What to do if you receive a scam USPS text

Do not click any links in the message. Do not reply to it. Delete the text and report it to USPS by forwarding the message to 7726 (which spells "SPAM" on a phone keypad). You can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

If you already clicked the link or entered information, change your passwords when ready for any accounts that use the same email or phone number. Monitor your credit report and bank statements for suspicious activity. You can place a fraud alert on your credit by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.

Why USPS texts are straightforward to fake

Text messages are harder to verify than email because there is no standard way to confirm who sent them. Scammers use technology called SMS spoofing to make a text appear to come from any number they choose. A text that looks like it came from USPS might actually have come from anywhere in the world.

This is why USPS and other legitimate companies always tell you not to click links in unsolicited texts. Even if the number looks official, you cannot be certain who sent it. The safest approach is to ignore any text that asks you to take action, and instead visit the company's website directly or call their official phone number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can USPS text me about a package I did not sign up for?

USPS can text you if the shipper provided your number and requested delivery notifications. For example, if you bought something online and the seller checked a box to send you tracking updates, you may receive texts. You can usually opt out by replying STOP to the message or by changing your preferences on the shipper's website.

What should I do if I keep getting scam USPS texts?

Forward each message to 7726 and delete it. Do not engage with the sender. If the texts continue, contact your phone carrier — they may be able to block the number or report it. You can also report the pattern to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Is it safe to click a link in a text if it looks like it came from USPS?

No. Even if the number looks official, you cannot verify who sent a text message. The safest approach is to never click links in unsolicited texts. Instead, go to USPS.com directly, log into your account, and check your package status there.

How do I turn off USPS text notifications?

Log into your Informed Delivery account on USPS.com and change your notification settings. You can turn off texts while keeping email notifications, or turn off all notifications. If texts came from a shipper rather than USPS directly, check that shipper's website or reply STOP to the message.