---
title: "How to Dispute an Underpaid Package by USPS Automated Package Verification"
url: "https://www.stamps.com/article/dispute-underpaid-package-usps-automated-package-verification/"
type: "post"
modified: "2025-11-13T15:17:31+00:00"
---
[![Disputing an underpaid package](https://www.stamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CRSDC-593-BLOG-IMAGES_blog.jpg)](https://www.stamps.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CRSDC-593-BLOG-IMAGES_blog.jpg)If your package gets flagged for postage due by the new [USPS Automated Package Verification (APV) system](https://blog.stamps.com/2017/07/18/usps-implementing-new-automated-package-verification-system/), what can you do? While this new machinery is state of the art and catches both underpaid and overpaid packages, there are situations where the scanning tool can have a false positive—a package will be flagged for being shortpaid even though the correct postage was applied.

If this happens to you, the USPS has a formal process for you to dispute the APV program:

**Step #1**: Locate your tracking number from the package that was flagged.

**Step #2**: Send an email to <VerifyPostageHelp@usps.gov>. In the email, make sure you include the following info:

- The USPS tracking number of the package
- Your contact information
- The reason for the dispute (please provide as much detail as possible).

If the USPS needs more info from you, they will contact you directly via email.

**Expected Response Times from USPS**

You should expect to get a response from the USPS regarding your disputed package within 2 to 5 business days, although the maximum time limit for adjudication will be 15 business days.

**Other Info Regarding Automated Package Verification**

- The USPS will not be providing partial reversals. A customer dispute will either be approved or denied.
- Stamps.com customers will get an email when the dispute is opened and a second email when the dispute has been approved or denied.
- Approved rate adjustments for overpaid packages will be automatically applied to a customer’s Stamps.com account within 24 hours.
- Coming Soon: Stamps.com customers will soon see a one-step mechanism within the Reports/Print History to send the appropriate dispute info to the USPS.