USPS Tracking enquiry

[JacksandJokers]

Hi all,

Hoping those in the US can help me out with a bit of info.

I purchased some decks from a US based seller from one of the Facebook playing card groups.
I'm almost 100% certain this is going to turn out to be a scam.

The seller was supposedly "on his way" to drop off the package at approx 17:15 EST on Saturday.
(The time is my estimate of where in the US the seller claims to be from - and as far as I'm aware all Post offices would be closed at this time.)

Today the seller gave me a USPS tracking number (No other proof that it was shipped to my name or address.

USPS website currently shows the following:

My questions are:
a) How long after dropping off a parcel does it usually take for the tracking number to update.
b) Would this message still appear if the tracking number was invalid or previously used.
c) Is it possible to drop off parcels for USPS after Post offices close.

Obviously I will be keeping a close eye on the tracking details for an update, but any info would be much appreciated.
Thanks, Simon

[brownsl]

If the package was small enough and they printed the label, they could have dropped it off after hours. Most PO lobbies are open 24/7 for drop off. If they did, the rest of Saturday they are closed, they are closed on Sundays, and today is a holiday so not open today. So, if they did drop it off then, the PO has not been open since then to process the package.

[JacksandJokers]

Thanks brownsl,

I will truly be shocked if this doesn't turn out to be a scam (So many red flags - I will explain more later).

There should be 26 decks in the package, so if it is possible to drop the parcel off after Post office opening hours then I guess the tracking number could be valid and the parcel on it's way to me.

Will find out soon enough

[felicityk]

I would be suspicious that a package that large could be dropped off while a post office is closed, but it is possible they have a larger drop box than I have seen.

When I receive a USPS tracking number from ebay, for example, I usually see a similar message if I try to track the package immediately. Shortly it will update to, "Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item". If you haven't seen something like this by the end of the day (Tuesday), I would reach out to the seller again.

[JacksandJokers]

Thanks for the info.

I've seen the "Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item" plenty of times from KS campaign fulfilment.

As I'm already convinced this is a scam and I'm concerned that the tracking number provided is no longer valid (previously used).

Will be keeping a close watch on it.