USPS Tracking Numbers

I noticed that most vendors are protective of the tracking numbers of their orders, stating security reasons. As a customer, waiting for a care package can be hell if you are out and then finding an empty mailbox, because delivery got delayed. As an example. I'm sure many of you can relate.

So yesterday I received an email from USPS, that they added a feature to "MY USPS" Dashboard:

Your My USPS™ Dashboard lets you: • Track your incoming domestic packages in one place from your desktop or smartphone without having to enter tracking numbers. • Give specific instructions on where you'd like packages delivered. • Request incoming packages and mail to be held while you're away. • Receive optional text and email notifications on the status of incoming domestic packages.

That means that you will get an email or text, you can choose that in the settings, as soon a package with your address shows up in the system. And they will give you the tracking number.


Comments


[7 Points] MDMangel:

And by checking that, and having those tracking numbers linked directly to your phone via e-mail and/or text, you give up any plausible deniability. I don't understand what it is with this obsession with tracking info. It puts you and vendor in danger. Making sure you have a secure drop would eliminate the need for this, it would also greatly increase your OPSEC. Stay safe.


[3 Points] furthur2:

Don't get your hopes up. MyUSPS, much like USPS tracking in general, only works ~50% of the time.


[1 Points] alwayslookingformore:

I dont have a link or anything, but didnt someone get arrested and evidence of him checking the tracking number was used against them? Iirc, LE knew the pack had drugs for some reason, then looked to see if anyone had checked the tracking, then got his IP from there since it was on clearnet to check


[1 Points] FormerlyAristotle:

I think keeping tracking info is a great idea for opsec. Think of it like this. If you're checking the tracking on an illegal package, are you likely to check it from your unprotected home wifi? Not at all. You'd probably check it from tor, and it'd show up as some random foreign country checking it. Get a new IP and check it again, new foreign country. Why would someone in NL or Saudi Arabia be checking a domestic USPS pack? It sets off flags right away. You could just drive to your local free wifi hotspot, but if the pack gets seized, and they trace it to that wifi connection, you could appear on security cams. BOOM there goes ANY plausible deniability

TL;DR Dont be an idiot


[1 Points] barsonbarson:

hmm I wonder why theyre back to not giving tracking numbers?

there has to be something significant causing them to change their ways, i doubt several big players all woke up and up and decided to change opsec