USPS Debt/Package Impersonation
You owe unpaid shipping costs for a package you never received
Emails or text messages claiming to be from the United States Postal Service, stating you owe money for unpaid shipping, customs fees, or a package delivery fee. They demand payment to avoid legal action.
What to Watch For
- The USPS never demands payment by email or text for shipping costs
- Requests payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers
- Threatens legal action or arrest for non-payment
- USPS does not collect package fees via email
Examples
""USPS: Unpaid shipping costs of $47.50 for package #LP99284710. Payment must be made within 5 business days or legal action will be taken. Pay at usps-fees-online.com.""
Why it works: Uses the USPS name and a specific tracking number to seem legitimate. The small amount makes it feel like it's not worth fighting.
What to Do
The USPS will never demand payment by email. If you're expecting a package, check tracking at usps.com directly. Report suspicious USPS impersonation emails to uspishsc@usps.gov.