The USPS “package on hold” text scam

A text says your package can't be delivered until you confirm your address or pay a small fee. Here's how to tell it's fake — and what to do.

Scam guide · Updated September 30, 2026

What the text looks like

The wording changes every few weeks, but the shape stays the same: your package is stuck, something is wrong with the address, and a link will fix it — usually within 24 or 48 hours.

USPS: Your package has been held at our warehouse due to an incomplete address. Please update your details within 24 hours to avoid return: [link]A typical example, recreated from public warnings. Don't tap links in messages like this.

The link opens a page that looks like the real USPS site. It asks you to “confirm” your address, then to pay a small redelivery fee — often a dollar or two. The fee is the point: once you type in your card number, the scammers have it.

The one fact that settles it

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service says USPS won't send you a text or email unless you first asked for tracking updates with a tracking number — and even then, the message won't contain a link. So a delivery text with a link that you never signed up for isn't from USPS. (USPIS)

Other signs it's fake

What to do

  1. Don't tap the link or reply. Replying tells the sender your number is live.
  2. Check tracking yourself. Type usps.com into your browser and enter the tracking number from the seller's order email.
  3. Report it. Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM), and email the details and a screenshot to spam@uspis.gov.
  4. Delete it once you've reported it.

If you already entered your card

Call your bank or card issuer using the number on the back of your card, tell them it was a phishing site, and ask them to block the card and reverse any charges. Watch your statements for small “test” charges, which often come first. You can also report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Not sure about a message you got?

Share the text, email or voicemail to Shieldr and get a plain-English verdict — safe, suspicious or scam — with the reasons it spotted. It's one more check before you tap anything, not a guarantee.

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Common questions

Does USPS ever text about a package?

Only if you signed up for tracking updates with a tracking number yourself. According to USPIS, those messages don't include links.

I only paid $1.99 — does it matter?

Yes. The small fee is a way to get your full card number. Call your card issuer and ask them to block the card.

Where do I report a fake USPS text?

Forward it to 7726 and email the details to spam@uspis.gov. You can also report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Related: how to report a scam text, step by step.

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