
Fake USPS Informed Delivery emails have been on the rise, and it's essential to know how to protect yourself from these scams. According to the article, the USPS Informed Delivery service is a legitimate service that allows you to view digital versions of your mail and packages before they arrive.
The key to avoiding fake emails is to be cautious of emails that ask for sensitive information. As mentioned in the article, these emails often claim that your account has been compromised or that you need to update your information to continue receiving your mail.
To stay safe, make sure to only interact with emails that are sent from the official USPS domain, usps.com. The article notes that fake emails often have misspelled URLs or use generic email addresses.
By being aware of these tactics and taking the necessary precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these scams.
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USPS Package Delivery Scam
The "USPS - Your Package Is Waiting For Delivery" email scam is a phishing trick that claims you have a pending delivery and must pay a fee to receive it. This is completely false and not associated with the actual USPS.
The scam email will redirect you to a fake USPS website that asks for your personal and financial information. Be cautious and never provide sensitive information to such sites.
Scammers can use this information to commit identity theft, financial losses, and other serious issues.
What is the USPS Package Delivery Scam?
The "USPS Package Delivery Scam" is a type of phishing email that claims to be from the United States Postal Service (USPS).
It typically has a subject line like "USPS notice your consignment is pending" or "USPS - Your Package Is Waiting For Delivery".
The email states that you have a pending delivery and need to pay a fee, usually $1.99, to release the package.
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This is completely false and not associated with the real USPS.
The email will redirect you to a fake USPS website where you're asked to provide personal and financial information.
This information can be used for identity theft, financial losses, and other malicious activities.
If you've already provided your private data, contact the corresponding authorities immediately.
The USPS has a system called Informed Delivery that sends you an email with a preview of your mail, but scammers can use this to intercept your mail and commit identity theft.
Informed Delivery asks for personal info to verify your identity, which can be used against you if it falls into the wrong hands.
The Secret Service warns that scammers can use this system to further their identity theft and fraud schemes.
To protect yourself, you can opt out of Informed Delivery online or sign up for the service with your own email address before someone else does.
The USPS claims their Informed Delivery database has never been hacked, but it's still possible for scammers to sign up with your name and address but a different email.
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How to Identify a Fake USPS Email
If you're not sure if an email is from the USPS, check the sender's email address. It should end with "@usps.com" or "@postalinspectors.uspis.gov".
Be cautious of emails that ask for personal or financial information, as scammers often use these tactics to steal your identity.
USPS will never ask you to pay a fee to release a package. In fact, the USPS will cover the cost of redelivery if a package is unable to be delivered.
Verify the email's content by checking the tracking number against the USPS website. If the tracking number is not found, it's likely a scam.
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Protecting Yourself
Over 13 million people have signed up for Informed Delivery, but that doesn't mean you should let your guard down.
To protect yourself, you can report a potentially fraudulent Informed Delivery account by clicking here or calling 1-800-344-7779.
If you think someone has created a fake account in your name, you'll need to provide your full name, mailing address, phone number, email address, and the fraud you're reporting.
You can also request that an individual account at your address be blocked, or that no Informed Delivery accounts be allowed for the address at all.
What to Do If You Fell for an Email Scam?
If you fell for an email scam, it's essential to act fast to minimize potential damage. Change your password as soon as possible if you clicked on a link in a phishing email and entered your password.
You should contact your bank immediately if you entered your credit card information, as you'll likely need to cancel your compromised credit card and get a new one.
If you notice any signs of identity theft, contact the Federal Trade Commission right away to create a personal recovery plan.
If you opened a malicious attachment, your computer is probably infected, so scan it with a reputable antivirus application, such as Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
To help other Internet users, report phishing emails to organizations like the Anti-Phishing Working Group, FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, National Fraud Information Center, and U.S. Department of Justice.
Here's a quick rundown of what to do in each situation:
How to Prevent Identity Theft
Be cautious of fake emails from the USPS, like the "USPS - Your Package Is Waiting For Delivery" scam, which can trick you into providing sensitive information.
These scammers often require you to pay a fake fee, which can lead to financial losses and even identity theft. Don't trust emails that demand you pay a fee to receive a package.
The USPS Informed Delivery system can be vulnerable to scammers, especially if you don't verify your identity carefully. To sign up, you'll need to answer questions about your past cities and streets lived in, and the sale price of your home.
Your personal data, including ID card details and credit card numbers, can be misused by scammers if you provide them. If you've already given away your private data, contact the authorities immediately.
Scammers can even use the Informed Delivery system to intercept your mail and steal your identity. This is especially concerning if you have sensitive information sent to your home.
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To protect yourself, consider signing up for Informed Delivery with your own email address before someone else does. This way, you can monitor your mail and detect any suspicious activity early on.
Households can opt out of Informed Delivery online if they feel it's not secure. However, the USPS stresses that their actual Informed Delivery database has never been hacked.
How to Secure Your USPS Account
To secure your USPS account, use a strong and unique password that's at least 12 characters long, as recommended by the USPS.
Make sure your password is not easily guessable, just like how you wouldn't use your name or birthdate as a password.
The USPS suggests enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security to your account.
Two-factor authentication requires you to provide a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.
If you're using a shared computer or public Wi-Fi, it's a good idea to log out of your USPS account after each use to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
USPS recommends regularly reviewing your account activity to detect any suspicious transactions or changes.
By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of your USPS account being compromised.
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USPS Informed Delivery System Security
The USPS Informed Delivery System has been compromised by scammers, who use it to intercept valuable personal information.
More than 13 million people have signed up for the free service, which emails users photos of their upcoming mail.
However, the USPS has reported cases where people's identities have been compromised.
One woman in Palm Beach County, Florida, was a victim of identity theft after scammers used the Informed Delivery system to intercept her mail.
She received a notification that she had signed up for the service, even though she had never done so.
Later, she received a Jet Blue credit card and an alert from Bank of America about a second credit card she had no knowledge of.
Customers can report a potentially fraudulent Informed Delivery account by clicking on a link or calling Technical Support at 1-800-344-7779.
To report a fraudulent account, customers need to provide their full name, mailing address, phone number, email address, and the fraud they are reporting.

The block will remain in place even if the tenant/homeowner changes, and the customer reporting the fraud will also be blocked from signing up for Informed Delivery.
The USPS stresses that the actual Informed Delivery database has never been hacked, but the service has been used by scammers to intercept mail and further their identity theft fraud schemes.
Informed Delivery is a free service that emails users photos of their upcoming mail, but it can be used by scammers if not used properly.
To protect yourself, you can sign up for the service with your own email address before someone else signs up as you.
For another approach, see: Usps Electronic Service Requested Informed Delivery
Sources
- https://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/27614-usps-your-package-is-waiting-for-delivery-email-scam
- https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/12/fake-shipping-notification-emails-and-text-messages-what-you-need-know-holiday-season
- https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/national/scammers-are-using-the-usps-informed-delivery-service-to-steal-victims-identities
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/usps-informed-delivery-service-could-be-used-to-steal-your-mail/
- https://time.com/6987650/fake-usps-texts-smishing/
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