$12.5B
FTC-reported fraud losses in 2024
FTC says consumers reported losing $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024.
USPS redelivery fee text scam
Fake text messages claim a USPS package could not be delivered and a small redelivery fee must be paid, leading victims to a phishing site that steals credit card information.
“package delivery scam text”
↓ 31%Key indicators
Usually targetsOnline shoppers
Often hitsCreators and online sellers
Common regionUnited States
Last updated2026-04-04
Estimated impact
$360
median reported loss
Typical range$36 – $3.6K
Recovery rate~20%
Annual reports160,000
Scam breakdown
1
Scammers send mass SMS messages claiming a USPS delivery failed and a small redelivery fee of 1-3 USD is required to reschedule.
2
The link leads to a convincing replica of the USPS website that requests credit card information to pay the fee.
3
The stolen credit card details are used for fraudulent purchases or sold on dark web markets.
What to do first
USPS does not charge redelivery fees and does not request payment via text message — delete the message immediately.
Related terms
USPS smishing scamfake USPS delivery textredelivery fee phishingPackage delivery scamsUSPSSurgingOnline shoppersOlder adultsGeneral consumersCreators and online sellersRetirees and seniorsOnline shoppersUnited StatesUSPS smishing scamfake USPS delivery text
Real-world example
How this scam plays out in practice
Based on reported patterns. Names and details are illustrative.
The setup
Jennifer, 34, a online shoppers, encountered what appeared to be a legitimate package delivery scams situation while using USPS. Scammers send mass SMS messages claiming a USPS delivery failed and a small redelivery fee of 1-3 USD is required to reschedule.
Step 2
What happened next was calculated: The link leads to a convincing replica of the USPS website that requests credit card information to pay the fee.
Step 3
The pressure escalated quickly: The stolen credit card details are used for fraudulent purchases or sold on dark web markets.
The outcome
Jennifer realized something was wrong when text message claims usps requires a small fee to redeliver a package — usps does not charge redelivery fees. By that point, significant damage had already been done — money sent, personal information shared, or trust exploited.
The lesson
USPS does not charge redelivery fees and does not request payment via text message — delete the message immediately. Jennifer's experience shows why text message claims usps requires a small fee to redeliver a package — usps does not charge redelivery fees and link in the text is a shortened url or non-usps domain like usps-delivery.com are the clearest early warning signs.
How to identify it
- Text message claims USPS requires a small fee to redeliver a package — USPS does not charge redelivery fees
- Link in the text is a shortened URL or non-USPS domain like usps-delivery.com
- Message creates urgency by saying the package will be returned to sender within 24-48 hours
- Pause before paying, clicking, or sharing information. Scammers rely on speed.
- Verify the sender, company, or agency using a phone number or website you already know is legitimate.
- Treat secrecy, urgency, and off-platform payment requests as strong scam signals.
What to do now
- ✓USPS does not charge redelivery fees and does not request payment via text message — delete the message immediately.
- ✓Track packages only through the official USPS website at usps.com or the USPS Mobile app.
- ✓Report USPS-related smishing texts to the Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov and forward the text to 7726 (SPAM).
What to save before reporting
- ✓Save the message, profile, phone number, email, or URL that was used.
- ✓Keep payment confirmations, receipts, and account alerts before you dispute or delete anything.
- ✓Write down the timeline while the details are still fresh.
How big is this problem
You are not alone — this scam affects millions of people.
These numbers come from government agencies and official reports. If you have been affected, know that this is a widespread problem — not something that only happens to careless people.
FTC 2024 fraud losses
Imposters
Most common FTC fraud category in 2024
FTC says imposter scams remained the most commonly reported fraud category in 2024.
History and evolution
- This scam family tends to persist because the social-engineering pressure works even when the exact scripts, platforms, and payment methods change.
- The specific packaging evolves over time, but the core pattern usually stays the same: create urgency, control the channel, and push action before verification.
- The US Postal Inspection Service reported a massive surge in USPS-impersonating smishing texts, with billions of fake delivery messages sent in 2023 alone.
Recovery and follow-up
- ✓Save the messages, receipts, account alerts, and transaction details before you block or delete anything.
- ✓Report the scam through the official platform or government channel that best matches where it happened.
- ✓USPS does not charge redelivery fees and does not request payment via text message — delete the message immediately.
- ✓Track packages only through the official USPS website at usps.com or the USPS Mobile app.
- ✓Report USPS-related smishing texts to the Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov and forward the text to 7726 (SPAM).
Why this pattern keeps working
Even when the story changes, most scams still use the same pressure pattern: urgency, authority, and a request to move money or data fast.
The US Postal Inspection Service reported a massive surge in USPS-impersonating smishing texts, with billions of fake delivery messages sent in 2023 alone.
FTC Consumer Sentinel 2025
Where to report it
If you have been targeted by this scam, reporting it helps authorities track the pattern and protect others. United States has dedicated agencies that handle fraud reports.
ReportFraud.gov
Federal Trade Commission
Central U.S. consumer fraud reporting portal.
File an IC3 complaint
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
FBI portal for internet-enabled crime reports.
Start identity theft recovery
IdentityTheft.gov
Official U.S. identity theft recovery plan builder.
Explore further
Understand the bigger picture
Who is most at risk
Who this scam targets
Primary targets
Online shoppers, Older adults, General consumers
Geographic concentration
United States
Primary channel
USPS — Package delivery scams
Why this group is vulnerable
Online shoppers are particularly vulnerable because this scam exploits trust in familiar brands, authority figures, and time-sensitive decisions. The rapid increase in reports suggests that awareness among this demographic remains low.
Sources and methodology
How we verify this information
OpenScam tracks scam patterns using a combination of government consumer protection databases (FTC, IC3, Action Fraud), platform-specific fraud reports, and verified consumer complaint data. Each entry is cross-referenced against at least two independent sources before publication.
Severity ratings are based on financial impact potential, reversibility of damage, and volume of reports across multiple reporting channels. Trend velocity reflects the rate of change in report volume over the most recent 90-day window.
This page was last verified on 2026-04-04. Red flags, recovery steps, and reporting resources are reviewed quarterly against current agency guidance.
Evidence and indicators
- The US Postal Inspection Service reported a massive surge in USPS-impersonating smishing texts, with billions of fake delivery messages sent in 2023 alone.
Source notes
- FTC Consumer Sentinel 2025
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about usps redelivery fee text scam
How does the usps redelivery fee text scam work?+
Scammers send mass SMS messages claiming a USPS delivery failed and a small redelivery fee of 1-3 USD is required to reschedule. The link leads to a convincing replica of the USPS website that requests credit card information to pay the fee. The stolen credit card details are used for fraudulent purchases or sold on dark web markets.
What are the warning signs of usps redelivery fee text scam?+
Text message claims USPS requires a small fee to redeliver a package — USPS does not charge redelivery fees Link in the text is a shortened URL or non-USPS domain like usps-delivery.com Message creates urgency by saying the package will be returned to sender within 24-48 hours
What should I do if I encounter usps redelivery fee text scam?+
USPS does not charge redelivery fees and does not request payment via text message — delete the message immediately. Track packages only through the official USPS website at usps.com or the USPS Mobile app. Report USPS-related smishing texts to the Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov and forward the text to 7726 (SPAM).
Who is most at risk for usps redelivery fee text scam?+
This scam primarily targets Online shoppers, Older adults, General consumers. It is most commonly reported in United States and typically appears on USPS.
Is usps redelivery fee text scam getting worse?+
USPS redelivery fee text scam is currently surging — reports are increasing rapidly. It has been reported across US. Last updated 2026-04-04.
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Help someone avoid this scam.
Scammers succeed because people do not talk about it. If you or someone you know has been affected, there is no shame in it — it happens to millions of people every year. Share this page with friends and family so they know what to look for.