A valid tracking number is issued to packages to enable consumers to track the progress of their package until it arrives at their homes, office, or collection center. USPS tracking numbers identify the shipment’s physical locations and determine the delivery date. Fraudsters give a tracking number that is either fake or legitimate but not assigned to your package. The item does not exist, or the USPS tracking number was assigned to another package.
Fake tracking numbers will be rejected if the customer checks the number at the USPS portal. If the tracking number is valid but assigned to another product, the consumer will realize that their product was shipped to another address. The scammers will get the money and place the blame on USPS’s mistakes hence leading to loss to the customer.
How to determine whether the tracking number is fake
To determine if a number is fake, submit it to the USPS website for tracking. If it is genuine, the information about your package will be displayed. If it is fake, the tracking bar will reject the number, or the number will show a different package without your information
If the USPS tracking number is fake, contact your seller to cancel your purchase or contact your bank to cancel your transaction.
It is advisable to check the USPS tracking number received at checkout before completing the order to determine if it’s a valid tracking number. Use the USPS tracking website to check whether the tracking number matches the format for USPS tracking numbers. The website provides a different format for all tracking numbers used by USPS, enabling you to determine whether the provided tracking number matches the format.
Fake USPS tracking numbers are increasing, with criminals using fake or stolen numbers to steal customers’ money. When a USPS tracking number is stolen, it will be recognized as valid on the USPS tracking website, but the item will be delivered to another address. The waiting period gives fraudsters time to cover their tracks by shutting down websites or laundering the stolen money to an untraceable destination.
Protecting yourself from USPS fake tracking numbers
- Confirm whether the site has accurate contact information and registered address. Ensure the seller has contact information that is working so you can contact them in case of problems. Fraudsters have no registered address or working contact information.
- Compare the price with other retailers. If the price is too low, you should think twice. Scammers give low prices to trick people into buying.
- Check the site security settings before giving payment. A secure site should start with ‘’https’’ and include a lock item on the purchase.
- Review Better Business Bureau (BBB) secure online shopping sites. Many online USPS fake tracking number scams utilize the same similar tactics. www.bbb.org/shoppingonline provides tips on how to avoid scams.
Faking USPS tracking numbers is another way scammers can steal customers’ money. Scammers blame USPS for the ‘’lost package’’ and get away with shoppers’ money. Protect yourself from such scams by buying from reputable websites and confirming whether the provided USPS tracking number is legitimate. If you have already paid, contact the seller for cancellation or your credit card to cancel the transaction. Fraudsters provide fake numbers to PayPal to mark the order as fulfilled and win disputes filed by the customers. If you used PayPal to pay for your order, provide all documentation on the fake tracking numbers, including product, shipping destination, and dates to help PayPal refund your money and stop a scammer.
