Spotting a Fake USPS Text Message: Your Package Delivery Scam Guide
The Fake Delivery Notification Scam uses convincing texts or emails, often claiming to be from USPS, FedEx, or other carriers, to trick you into clicking a malicious link. These links lead to fake websites designed to steal your personal information, credit card details, or install malware, putting your finances and identity at risk.
How This Scam Works
Scammers send a text message (smishing) or email (phishing) about a missed package, an unpaid delivery fee, or an issue with your shipment, often including a fake tracking number.
They create a sense of urgency, claiming you need to act quickly to reschedule delivery, pay a small fee, or your package will be returned to the sender.
You are directed to click a link that leads to a convincing but fake website designed to look exactly like a legitimate courier's tracking page (e.g., USPS, FedEx, UPS). This site then asks for personal details like your name, address, phone number, or credit card information for a supposed 'redelivery fee' or 'customs charge'.
If you enter your information, it is immediately stolen by the scammers. Your credit card may be charged fraudulently, your identity compromised, or malware could be downloaded to your device, leading to further financial losses or data breaches.
Real Example
"You receive a text message claiming to be from USPS, stating, 'Your package has an unpaid shipping fee. Please update your details here: [suspicious link].' When you click the link, it leads to a website that looks exactly like the USPS tracking page, asking for your full name, address, and credit card information to 'resolve the issue' for a $0.99 redelivery fee."
⚠️ Warning Signs
You receive an unexpected message about a package you weren't anticipating or haven't ordered.
The message asks you to click a link to 'reschedule delivery' or 'pay a small fee' for a package.
The sender's phone number or email address looks suspicious, or the message contains spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, or unusual phrasing.
The link provided in the message does not go to the official website of the courier (e.g., usps.com, fedex.com) – always check the full URL carefully.
The message creates a strong sense of urgency or threat, implying your package will be returned or disposed of if you don't act immediately.
It requests sensitive personal or financial information, like your full credit card number or bank details, to complete a delivery.
What To Do If You Encounter This Scam
Do NOT click any links in the suspicious message or open any attachments.
Do NOT reply to the sender, call any numbers provided in the message, or provide any personal information.
If you are expecting a package, go directly to the official courier's website (e.g., USPS.com, FedEx.com) by typing the URL yourself and track your package using a legitimate tracking number you received from the sender.
Report the suspicious text message by forwarding it to SPAM (7726) and report phishing emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) at [email protected].
Already fell for it?
If you clicked a link or provided any personal or financial information, immediately contact your bank and credit card companies to report potential fraud. Change any passwords for online accounts that might have been compromised, especially if you reuse passwords, and monitor your financial statements and credit report closely for any unusual activity.
Scamtinel tip
Before clicking any link in an unexpected package delivery message or email, paste it into Scamtinel.com. We can quickly check if it's a known scam or phishing site, helping you and your family avoid falling for fake delivery notifications.
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Last updated: May 3, 2026 · ← All scam types