What Package is This US9514901185421?

You might have received an SMS explaining that you have a parcel/courier from the U.S. Postal Service with tracking number US9514901185421, but due to insufficient address, the delivery cannot be completed. If you are smart, you might be reading this article before entering your information.

However, if you have already filled out the form, this is a lesson for you because US9514901185421 is a fake USPS tracking number that has been used in various phishing scams and smishing (SMS phishing) campaigns. Scammers send out text messages or emails pretending to be from USPS, stating that there is an issue delivering your package with this tracking number. However, US9514901185421 is not a real USPS tracking number, and any communication referencing it should be considered fraudulent.

What Is the US9514901185421 USPS Scam?

The scams involving US9514901185421 generally follow a similar pattern:

• You receive a text message or email that appears to be from USPS or contains USPS branding.
• The message states there is an issue delivering a package to you and provides the fake tracking number US9514901185421.
• You are prompted to click on a link or provide personal information to “resolve” the delivery issue.

Some examples of messages used in these scams:

• “USPS: Tracking number: US9514901185421. Status: We have issues with your shipping address. Please confirm here:” (Malicious Link)
• “Your Package US9514901185421 Is Stopped at our Post. Please update your address information here:” (Malicious Link)
• “USPS Delivery Attempt Failed. Tracking Number: US9514901185421. Please verify shipping address to reschedule delivery:” (Malicious Link)

The goal is to trick recipients into clicking the link or providing personal information. The links typically lead to phishing sites designed to steal login credentials, financial information, or install malware.

USPS does not send unsolicited emails or texts regarding package delivery issues. Any unexpected communication referencing US9514901185421 or asking you to verify personal information should be considered extremely suspicious.

When did US9514901185421 Scam Begin?

The earliest reports of scams involving US9514901185421 appear to date back to mid-2022. Security researchers began documenting smishing campaigns using this fake tracking number in July 2022.

By August 2022, the USPS Office of the Inspector General had issued a public notice warning consumers about fraudulent text messages referencing US9514901185421.

Since then, scammers have continued using US9514901185421 in smishing and phishing campaigns due to the effectiveness of the scam. With so much legitimate package delivery happening, recipients often let their guard down.

In January 2023, the Federal Trade Commission released an updated warning about package delivery scams still using US9514901185421 to defraud consumers.

Who is Behind the US9514901185421 Scams?

The individuals and organizations orchestrating these scams have not been conclusively identified.

Given the volume of messages sent, it is likely the work of organized cybercriminal groups who operate smishing and phishing-as-a-service infrastructures.

These scammers pay for access to spamming platforms and spoofed phone numbers/email addresses, enabling them to send thousands to millions of fraudulent messages cheaply and anonymously.

The scammers themselves hide behind layers of anonymity provided by spoofing technology and bitcoin payments. This makes tracking them down very challenging for law enforcement.

In some cases, the scams have been linked back to West Africa-based cybercriminal groups according to cybersecurity researchers. However, it is possible multiple independent actors are leveraging the US9514901185421 tracking number in their own scams.

How the US9514901185421 Scams Work

Here is how the US9514901185421 package delivery scams operate:

1. Obtain victim contact info: Scammers purchase or compile lists of consumer phone numbers and email addresses, often from data breaches.
2. Send fraudulent messages: Using SMS spoofing services or fake email accounts, scammers send thousands to millions of messages referencing US9514901185421 and linking to phishing sites.
3. Victim clicks link: Recipient clicks the link, either via email or if the SMS message content is displayed.
4. Enter personal information: The victim is led to a phishing site impersonating USPS, Amazon, or another company. They are prompted to enter personal info to resolve the delivery issue.
5. Steal credentials and information: The phishing site captures the victim’s entered information, allowing the scammers to steal account credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data.
6. Secondary scams: With the stolen info, scammers may conduct additional scams, identity theft, or sell the data on the dark web.
7. Install malware: In some cases, clicking the links can also install malware like info-stealing Trojans on the victim’s device.

The scammers utilize the low cost of sending bulk SMS and email to cast a wide net, knowing that even a small percentage of recipients clicking through generates profits.

How to Avoid US9514901185421 Scams

Here are some tips to recognize and avoid being victimized by these US9514901185421 package delivery scams:

• Be skeptical of any unexpected texts/emails: Do not click on links or provide information if you did not initiate the message.
• Verify the sender: Check that email addresses match the official domains. Call the company to confirm any suspicious communications.
• Check for typos/grammar issues: Scam messages often contain mistakes indicative of being written by non-native speakers.
• Do not trust caller ID: Spoofing technology allows scammers to falsify their caller ID and make it seem like the call is coming from a legitimate company.
• Never provide sensitive information via text/email: Legitimate companies will not send unsolicited messages asking for your personal information.
• Use updated antivirus software: This can detect and block many phishing sites and malware links. Turn on email spam filtering.
• Report scams: Alert the FTC and forward scam texts to SPAM (7726) to help identify and shut down emerging fraud campaigns.

The most important takeaway is to never click on links or provide any sensitive information in response to an unexpected text message or email. Always verify with the company using a known legitimate contact number before taking any action.

Being cautious and using common sense is the best defense against providing your information to US9514901185421 scammers.

The Impact of US9514901185421 Scams

The US9514901185421 scams highlight how cybercriminals are leveraging the dramatic rise in package deliveries to defraud consumers:

Billions in fraud

These scams collectively represent billions of dollars in fraud, though losses specific to US9514901185421 are unquantified.

Growing risk

There has been a 300% increase in package delivery scams since the start of the pandemic as more consumers shop online.

Data breaches enable scams

Billions of consumer records stolen in data breaches provide fuel for these phishing campaigns.

Difficult to prosecute

The anonymity of scammers combined with international operations makes these crimes hard to pursue.

Consumer harm

Victims can have identities stolen, accounts drained, and sensitive information compromised. Tens of thousands of consumers are defrauded.

Damages trust

The barrage of scam messages erodes consumer trust and makes people more hesitant to engage with legitimate companies.

Package delivery scams now account for 37% of all reported fraud according to the FTC, with phishing and smishing being the most prevalent tactics.

While US9514901185421 is just one tracking number used in these scams, it provides a case study example of how consumers are being targeted and why increased vigilance is necessary.

Being aware of the tactics and staying cautious regarding any unexpected requests for your personal information can help you avoid being the next victim.

Final Words

US9514901185421 is a fake USPS tracking number used in various text message and email scams aimed at stealing consumers’ personal information and account credentials. These scams play on the dramatic rise in package deliveries to trick recipients into clicking malicious links under the guise of a delivery issue.

If you receive any communication via text or email referencing US9514901185421 and asking you to click a link or provide information, delete it immediately. Be skeptical of any unexpected requests, verify the sender, and avoid providing sensitive information to unsolicited contacts.