A text claiming USPS, FedEx, or UPS is 'holding' your package until you pay a small fee or 'confirm your address' through a link is smishing — one of the most common scam texts of 2025–26. Paste it for an instant read.
Quick answer — Almost certainly. USPS, FedEx, and UPS don't text strangers a link to pay a small fee or confirm an address. The link steals your card and login. Track any real package on the carrier's official site instead — don't tap the link.
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Why the package text is a scam
Carriers like USPS, FedEx, and UPS don't text strangers a link asking for a small redelivery 'fee' or to 'verify' your address — they leave a physical slip or notify you through an account you set up yourself. The amount is tiny ($0.30, $1.99) on purpose so you'll pay without thinking; the real goal is to capture your card number, address, and login on a fake page. USPS itself never charges a redelivery fee through a texted link.
How to check and what to do
Don't tap the link. The URL won't be the carrier's real domain (usps.com, fedex.com) — it'll be a lookalike like usps-tracking-help.com. If you're expecting a package, track it yourself on the carrier's official site or app using the tracking number from your order, not the text. Delete it, forward it to 7726 (SPAM), and report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
If you already paid or shared your info
Don't panic — acting quickly limits the damage. Do these now:
Paid by gift card, wire, or crypto? Contact the gift-card issuer, wire service, or exchange right away — some transactions can still be stopped — and keep the receipts and card numbers.
Entered a card number or paid online? Call your bank to freeze or replace the card and dispute the charge.
Typed a password or login on a linked page? Change it now — and anywhere you reused it — and turn on two-factor authentication.
Shared your SSN or other ID? Start a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov and consider a credit freeze with the three credit bureaus.
Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov (and, for online scams, the FBI at ic3.gov).
FAQ
Is the USPS package text a scam?
Almost certainly. USPS, FedEx, and UPS don't text strangers a link to pay a small fee or confirm an address. The link steals your card and login. Track any real package on the carrier's official site instead — don't tap the link.
I clicked the package text link — what now?
If you entered card or login details, contact your bank to freeze or replace the card and change any reused passwords. The text by itself is harmless unless you submit information on the fake page.
Official sources
This guidance is compiled from official U.S. government sources. For your specific situation, verify directly: