Fake USPS Redelivery Card and SMS Scam
Criminals send fake USPS missed-delivery notices — either physical cards or text messages — directing recipients to phishing sites that charge a redelivery fee. Real USPS redelivery scheduling is always free at usps.com/redelivery and requires no payment.
Part of: Fake Redelivery Card Scams
Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
USPS leaves a genuine PS Form 3849 'We ReDeliver For You' notice when a delivery attempt fails and requires a signature. This familiar yellow or orange slip is a normal part of the postal experience, and criminals have produced counterfeit versions designed to divert recipients to fee-charging websites.
Both physical and digital variants exploit the same expectation: after a missed delivery, a recipient may be primed to complete a next step. The fake notice creates that step — paying a small fee — when the real step is simply to schedule a free redelivery at usps.com.
Postal inspection services have noted that these counterfeit notices sometimes include real-looking Intelligent Mail Barcode patterns to increase credibility, though the barcodes do not scan to genuine USPS tracking data.
How this scam works on the USPS brand
Physical counterfeit PS Form 3849 cards appear in mailboxes with a website or phone number directing recipients to pay a 'rescheduling fee.' The website mimics USPS.com and collects card details.
SMS variants follow: 'USPS: We missed your delivery. Schedule redelivery and pay $X.XX processing fee: [link].' The link leads to the same type of phishing page.
Real USPS redelivery (PS Form 3849) instructs recipients to schedule a free redelivery online at usps.com/redelivery, call 1-800-ASK-USPS, or visit their post office — none of which involves paying a fee. The genuine form includes a specific USPS tracking number that resolves in the USPS tracking system.
Common red flags
- Redelivery card or text demands a fee — USPS redelivery is free
- Website linked is not usps.com
- Tracking number on the card or text returns no result at usps.com
- Physical card lacks the official USPS seal or correct PS Form 3849 formatting
- Urgent deadline for payment with threat of return-to-sender
- Phone number on the card is not 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777)
- Payment requested by card, which USPS does not require for redelivery
How to protect yourself
- Schedule USPS redelivery for free at usps.com/redelivery using the tracking number from your genuine notice
- Call the official USPS line at 1-800-275-8777 to verify any missed-delivery situation
- Forward suspicious texts to 7726
- Report counterfeit USPS forms to the USPIS at postalinspectors.uspis.gov
- If card details were provided, contact your bank immediately
How to report it
- Report to the USPIS at postalinspectors.uspis.gov or 1-877-876-2455
- Forward smishing texts to 7726
- Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- If mail theft is involved, also report to your local postmaster
- Report phishing sites to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at [email protected]
Frequently asked questions
Does USPS ever charge a redelivery fee?
No. USPS redelivery of standard mail and packages is free. You schedule it at usps.com/redelivery. Any card or message demanding a fee is fraudulent.
What does a real USPS Form 3849 look like?
A genuine PS Form 3849 is a peach or yellow slip that includes your carrier's name, delivery attempt date, the package tracking number, and instructions to schedule redelivery free at usps.com or by calling 1-800-275-8777.