Tricky Widespread USPS Text Scam Hits New York

Widespread USPS Scam Reaches Many in The Hudson Valley

Did you receive a strange text message around 11:35 am on Wednesday February 11th, 2026?

Many Hudson Valley residents, myself included, found themselves checking their phones to see a text message from the United States Postal Service.

In the text was a photo with the USPS logo and the words "Urgent Notice" in red letters. Underneath that, it stated "Please Check Attachment."

Said attachment was a PDF that you would need to click to open. Most people know to never click on a link or attachment from senders you're not familiar with.

Avoid Getting Scammed By Fake USPS Messages

While, USPS hasn't officially made a statement about these text messages, we obviouslly recognize this as a scam. Considering so many people received the same message, around the same time on the same day.

On the USPS website they have a few tips if you think you've received a Scam Text. In the future if you think you're on the receiving end of a scam text you should follow these steps.

• Do Not Click: Avoid clicking any link in the message.
• Report It: Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) to help carriers block it.
• Delete and Block: Delete the message and block the sender.
• Verify Independently: If you are expecting a package, go directly to the official USPS website to track it 

The United States Postal Service has a whole website dedicated to keeping the public safe from scams called the United States Postal Inspection Service or USPIS.GOV. 

Scams To Be On The Lookout For Across the Hudson Valley

Sadly, scams are on the rise across the region. It feels like every day there is a new warning of scams to be on the lookout for.

Most recently, scammers have been diving into the world of jury duty. Residents in Orange and Dutchess County have reported receiving phone calls from scammers that they missed jury duty.

READ MORE: Jury Duty Scam Strikes Again, This Time in Orange County

The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office explained that the scammers would then "attempt to solicit money" from the victims to "avoid the consequences for missing the fake jury duty."

Both the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office and the Orange County Sheriff's Office have stated that you'll never be asked for payment of any kind by phone call, text or email.

And, as always, never click on links sent from unfamiliar numbers or email address.