There are other variations and numbers of this specific fraud, which is also known as the “Tracking Number us9514961195221” fake USPS message.
Being aware that a large number of consumers have products shipped via USPS and ordered online. Many people are likely to fall for the phony text message.
Smishing is the name for this kind of fraud. It is a form of phishing that uses a text message or phone number. Usually, victims will get a misleading text message that tries to get them to give out their financial or personal information.
To give weight to their claims, these scammers frequently try to pose as a bank, government institution, or other business. On rare cases, the texts may even include your name to give you the impression that they are authentic.
The SMS message could come from various cell phone numbers. The most frequent numbers you must avoid are listed below, these are according to people who received the scam text message.
(904) 749-2805, (754) 231-6942, (207) 252-7286, (626) 831-5824, (571) 516-1505
(872) 305-1256, (901) 645-1495, (858) 298-1731, (505) 498-7665, (410) 725-6529
(417) 619-2095, (743) 837-1335, (989) 998-2912, (571) 265-9986, (571) 516-1568
(815) 814-6638, (401) 389-6836, (906) 442-3261, (470( 846-0459, (410) 845-1696
(646) 919-3552, (469) 867-6476, (205) 899-1265, (667) 755-1451, (224) 428-4230
(256) 879-8448, (409) 919-5233, (929) 823-0137, (818) 946-6643, (646) 262-9610
(269) 307-4371, (786) 854-0737, (970)-233-1539, (540) 558-5027, (305) 684-9864
We strongly advise against entertaining any messages you receive from the aforementioned telephone numbers, and even worse, engaging with any links they may contain.
How does the USPS Tracking No. us9514961195221 text message scam work?
- These scammers text users regarding the delivery of their packages while posing as the USPS tracking number.
- The message’s primary focus will be on addressing delivery issues such an inaccurate address being provided.
- Following that, they will request a $3 adjustment charge and send a link to confirm the information.
- You will be tricked to enter your credit/debit card details into the text fields and they will have access to it.
Their main goal is not to collect the $3 fee, but to obtain your financial information so they can withdraw and use the funds from your bank account.
Many people have reported receiving the texts listed below, while individual users may have received different texts. The following are the most typical messages:
Message 1:
USPS: Your street address is not the same as your postal code, we cannot deliver your package,
please update your address in time. hxxps://ups-tyvcri.us
Message 2:
Tracking Number: US9514961195221. Status : We have issues with your shipping address.
USPS Allows you to Redeliver your package to your address in case of...
Message 3:
U.P.S - The address on your package label is incorrect and the courier cannot
deliver the package to your home. https://chgepackhelp.us/hlbi
Message 4:
USPS: Your package was undeliverable because the street information on the
package label was not recognized, please update. uspdipach.com/rW5c
Message 5:
[US-PS]: We are unable to deliver your package due to the address provided
is incorrect, please modify address for timely delivery: https://www.us-thoyoe.us
Message 6:
[US-PS]: We are unable to deliver your package to you due to incorrect
street information. Please update asap so we can redeliver: https://us-yloprt.us
Message 7:
“Your package will not be delivered to you due to the incomplete house number, please fill out….to link”
Since the USPS fake SMS campaign has not yet seen a fall, there are many more variations of these texts and there will be more in the future.
However, you should exercise caution and pay attention to any messages from unknown senders that contain a dubious link.
The bogus link’s content, which is on a phishing website, resembles the following:
Please be aware that the website displayed is not the actual USPS tracking form, but rather a website created to look like one. The layout itself is consistent with the original website. However, if we examine the site’s link, it is clear that it is a fake.
Does USPS send text messages about deliveries?
Unless you have a delivery scheduled soon or if you asked them to SMS you the package’s status. Apart from that, USPS has no need to inform you about specific delivery.
You can choose to receive email or SMS notifications before a delivery is made by USPS. You shouldn’t be receiving SMS messages if you selected the latter.
Not to mention, they communicate in a formal, professional manner as opposed to scammers, who use haste to make their victims worry and click the link.
What should I do after receiving the fake USPS text message?
The first thing you should do is to relax since nothing that you have ordered for delivery will have a difficulty getting to your house, and if you don’t have anything to pick up, nothing will be showing up at your door.
Report the sender’s phone number to the cybercrime enforcement agencies in your nation so that the number can eventually be blocked and the offender can be located by investigation.
For United States Citizens: You may email spam@uspis.gov or mail the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at their official website.
For United Kingdom Citizens: You may visit Actionfraud.police.uk and file a report or call their number via 0300 123 2040.
For France Citizens: You may file your report via the Service-Public.fr website.
For Australian Citizens: You can use ReportCyber to file a report or call the Australian Cyber Security Hotline at 1300 292 371.
For Canadian Citizens: Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or call their number via 1-888-495-8501.
After that, you should block the sender’s number to ensure that you don’t continue to receive texts from them. Any further interactions with the scammer may get your number spoofed or even worse.
What should I do if I clicked the link?
When you click the link, you will be taken to a phishing website that imitates the USPS website, as we previously mentioned. You are generally secure if you merely clicked the link and did not do anything further on the website.
However, further action should be done if you had provided the information requested by the text field boxes, such as your home address and credit card information.
The most concerning aspect is the financial information you have shared, because they won’t do anything with your home location.
To prevent losing money to the scammers using your bank balance, get in touch with your bank right away. Request that they look into the matter and restrict any further transactions. For additional security, you should set up two factor authentication and change the passwords on every one of your accounts.
Final Thoughts
Even after taking the necessary precautions to secure your accounts, it can be very unsettling to have received the bogus text message and shared your financial information with scammers.
This is why we advise two-factor authentication be enabled on all accounts, making every activity subject to the requirement of a specific pin code that can only be provided to your mobile device.