Phishing & Smishing
Package Delivery Scam
Fake texts claiming USPS, FedEx, or UPS couldn't deliver your package and asking you to click a link to reschedule or pay a fee.
Reported Losses
Part of $470 million in text scam losses (FTC 2024)
Primary Targets
Online shoppers, anyone expecting packages
Last Updated
2026-01-06
Also Known As
USPS Scam
How Scammers Contact You
How This Scam Works
You receive a text or email claiming there's a problem with your package delivery:
"USPS: Your package could not be delivered. Reschedule delivery here: [fake link]"
"FedEx: Delivery failed due to incomplete address. Update info to receive your package: [link]"
**When you click:** - Fake website asks for personal information - May request a small "redelivery fee" ($1-3) to capture your credit card - Some install malware on your device - Information is used for identity theft or sold
**Timing trick:** Scammers send millions of these texts during peak shopping seasons when people ARE expecting packages.
Red Flags to Watch For
- ⚠️Text from unknown number about package delivery
- ⚠️Link doesn't go to usps.com, fedex.com, or ups.com
- ⚠️Asks for payment to receive your package
- ⚠️No specific tracking number mentioned
- ⚠️Generic message not mentioning what you ordered
- ⚠️Creates urgency ("Respond in 24 hours or package returned")
- ⚠️Asks for information carriers already have (full address, SSN)
📝 Real Victim Account
"I got a text that looked like it was from USPS saying my package couldn't be delivered. I was expecting something from Amazon, so I clicked. The site asked for $1.95 redelivery fee. Two weeks later, someone opened a credit card in my name."
— AARP Fraud Watch Network
How to Protect Yourself
- 1Don't click links in delivery texts — track packages on official carrier websites
- 2USPS, FedEx, and UPS don't charge redelivery fees via text
- 3Know your tracking numbers — look them up directly on carrier sites
- 4Be extra cautious during holiday shopping seasons
- 5Report suspicious texts by forwarding to 7726
- 6Enable delivery notifications directly from carriers when you order
🆘 What to Do If You're a Victim
- 1If you clicked a link, run antivirus software immediately
- 2If you entered payment info, contact your bank
- 3If you entered personal info, monitor your credit reports
- 4Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- 5Report fake USPS texts to spam@uspis.gov
- 6Report fake FedEx texts to abuse@fedex.com
🔗 Related Scams
📚 Sources & References
Think You've Encountered This Scam?
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