You can tell if you’ve received a fake USPS tracking number if the number doesn’t match the one in your confirmation email or on the USPS website. Continue reading to learn more about telling signs that the USPS tracking number you have received is part of a scam and how to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of fake USPS tracking number scams.
Can a USPS tracking number be fake?
In case you were unaware, a USPS tracking number can be illegitimate. Scammers will create fake tracking numbers or even use real tracking numbers of orders that were already marked as delivered to make their scam appear legitimate.
How to know if a USPS tracking number is fake
As someone who once tried to purchase an item and received a fake USPS tracking number from a scammer, I am now familiar with the signs and want to share some insights with you. Read the following signs to determine whether or not the USPS tracking number you received is real and how to avoid becoming a victim of this scam.
The tracking number doesn’t appear in the USPS portal
Generally, once you receive a tracking number, you can enter this number into the USPS tracking tool to see status updates on where your order is. This tool also shows you what sample numbers look like depending on the service you select (priority shipping, requiring a signature, etc.). If the tracking number you received does not show up in the USPS tracking tool or look like the examples provided, you have likely received a fake tracking number.
The tracking number link looks phishy
When you receive the link to your tracking number, be careful before clicking on it since it may be a phishing link. You should check if a link is safe by hovering your mouse over it to preview the URL or by using a URL checker such as Google Transparency Report. Make sure you do not click on the link until you know that it’s safe. Since the scammer will know you are eager to receive your tracking number, they might embed a phishing link to your fake tracking number to download malware onto your device or steal your private information.
The tracking status already says delivered
In my personal experience, when I received a fake tracking number, I realized the number couldn’t have been legitimate because it said my package was already delivered. The scammer told me during our communication that the package had just been dropped off, so this immediately worried me. If you look up your tracking number on the USPS tracking tool and your package shows it has been delivered, this is a strong sign that your tracking number is fake and that a cybercriminal is attempting to scam you.
You’re asked to provide additional information
One of the most obvious signs that the USPS tracking number you have received is fake is if the scammer asks you for additional information. You might receive a text message or email from someone claiming to be USPS, and in those smishing and phishing attempts, a scammer is really trying to get you to reveal your address or credit card information. Smishing is a type of phishing attack that is done through SMS messages. Scammers will more frequently use smishing rather than vishing because they would rather pretend to be USPS over text or email instead of over the phone.
You’re asked to pay a fee for something extra
The real USPS would not ask you to pay additional fees after confirming your order. Scammers will pretend to be USPS and ask you for extra money by claiming there was an issue with your delivery and they need you to pay a redelivery fee. These methods are all ways for the scammer to receive more money once you have fallen for their scam.
How to avoid falling for fake USPS tracking number scams
Now that you know some of the most common signs of fake tracking number scams, here are some ways you can prevent yourself from becoming a victim.
Only order from legitimate online stores
This was my first mistake, which I knew was risky, but the item I wanted to purchase was rarely available at the time on legitimate online stores. By making purchases from suspicious online stores, you may never receive your item and could have your private information stolen. Be aware of how legitimate an online store looks by evaluating the design of the website, examining the website’s URL and researching the company. Once you have determined that the online store is legitimate, you can even paste the URL into the Google Transparency Report, which will tell you if the website is actually safe. By guaranteeing that the online store you are purchasing from is a legitimate business, you will reduce your risk of being scammed.
Ignore unsolicited messages claiming to be from USPS
Every once in a while, I receive unsolicited text messages regarding my USPS order that is having an issue being delivered. I immediately report the message as junk and block the number, especially when I know that I am not waiting for a package to be delivered. It is best to ignore any unsolicited messages from phone numbers or emails claiming to be USPS because they could be part of a phishing scam.
If you did make a purchase, remember to rely on the tracking number that was included with your receipt instead of trusting the tracking number you receive in a suspicious message. An unsolicited message from someone pretending to be USPS could be about a sudden change in delivery or needing more personal information to complete the order.
Verify your tracking number immediately after purchasing online
Regardless of what the sender of the unsolicited messages claims they need, it is best to verify your tracking number right after purchasing something from a reputable online store. Save the online confirmation or receipt, which should feature a tracking number, and refer to that tracking number from the official order when you need to track where your package is.
Don’t fall victim to fake USPS tracking number scams
There are many clever and malicious scams that people fall for every day. You can avoid becoming the next victim of a fake USPS tracking number scam by paying attention to how legitimate the messages, URLs, websites and tracking numbers appear. By following the tips mentioned above, you can ensure that your information stays protected against this type of scam.
