Established by a former federal prosecutor · 20+ years prosecutorial experience · $12.5B lost to fraud in 2024 (FTC)
The Fraud CodexScam Intelligence
Live Threats
NewPig-butchering scams estimated to have stolen $75B globallyAlertIRS impersonation scams surge this 2026 filing seasonNewFake Coinbase support calls reported nationwide
● MEDIUM RISK

Package Delivery Scam

A text claims USPS, FedEx, or UPS could not deliver your package and needs you to click to reschedule or pay a fee. The link is the point — it leads to a fake page built to take your card and login. Carriers do not charge redelivery fees by text.

Losses: Part of $470 million in text scam losses (FTC 2024)
Targets: Online shoppers, anyone expecting packages
Updated: 2026-01-06
Also known as: USPS Scam · FedEx Scam · UPS Text Scam · Delivery Smishing
01

How It 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.
How Scammers Make Contact
Text messagesEmail
02

Warning Signs & Red Flags

  • 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)
03

Real-World Example

"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
04

How to Protect Yourself

  • Don't click links in delivery texts — track packages on official carrier websites
  • USPS, FedEx, and UPS don't charge redelivery fees via text
  • Know your tracking numbers — look them up directly on carrier sites
  • Be extra cautious during holiday shopping seasons
  • Report suspicious texts by forwarding to 7726
  • Enable delivery notifications directly from carriers when you order
05

What To Do If You're a Victim

  1. 1If you clicked a link, run antivirus software immediately
  2. 2If you entered payment info, contact your bank
  3. 3If you entered personal info, monitor your credit reports
  4. 4Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  5. 5Report fake USPS texts to spam@uspis.gov
  6. 6Report fake FedEx texts to abuse@fedex.com
Report This Scam
FTC Report Fraud FBI IC3 Identity Theft
?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Package Delivery Scam?

A text claims USPS, FedEx, or UPS could not deliver your package and needs you to click to reschedule or pay a fee. The link is the point — it leads to a fake page built to take your card and login. Carriers do not charge redelivery fees by text.

What are the warning signs of Package Delivery Scam?

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.

How do I protect myself from Package Delivery Scam?

Don't click links in delivery texts — track packages on official carrier websites. USPS, FedEx, and UPS don't charge redelivery fees via text. Know your tracking numbers — look them up directly on carrier sites. Be extra cautious during holiday shopping seasons.

What should I do if I'm a victim of Package Delivery Scam?

If you clicked a link, run antivirus software immediately. If you entered payment info, contact your bank. If you entered personal info, monitor your credit reports. Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How serious is this threat?

We rate this a real but moderate risk. Reported losses: Part of $470 million in text scam losses (FTC 2024). Most exposed: Online shoppers, anyone expecting packages.

Can I get my money back?

Recovery depends on how you paid. Credit card payments may be reversed through chargebacks, while wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.

How do I report Package Delivery Scam?

Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. You should also contact your local police and your bank.
Sources & References
  1. 01USPS: Smishing and Text Scams
  2. 02FedEx: Fraud Alert
Related Scams

Toll Road Text Scam

A text says you owe a small unpaid toll and must pay immediately to avoid fees or losing your license. The toll agency did not send it; the link harvests your card and details. Real toll systems do not collect by panic text — go to the agency's actual site if you are unsure.

Bank Alert Text Scam

A text poses as your bank's fraud alert and asks you to confirm a charge or click to "secure" your account. Replying or clicking connects you to the scammer, not the bank. If a text makes you anxious about your money, call the number on your card — never the one in the message.

Think you've encountered this scam?

Use the free AI scanner to analyze suspicious messages, websites, or phone numbers.

Scan Now — It's Free