Package Delivery Notification Scam
Americans lost $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, according to the FTC.
Quick Answer
Package delivery scams, where criminals impersonate carriers like USPS, FedEx, or UPS, were the most reported type of text message scam in 2024, contributing to consumer losses of $470 million from text-based frauds.
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How It Works
1
You receive an unsolicited text message or email that appears to be from a major delivery service like USPS, FedEx, or UPS. The message claims there is an issue with a package delivery, such as an incomplete address or a pending delivery requiring action.
2
The message contains a link and urges you to click it to update your information, pay a small redelivery fee, or reschedule the delivery. The link leads to a sophisticated, fake website designed to look exactly like the official carrier's site.
3
On the fake website, you are prompted to enter personal and financial information, such as your full name, address, phone number, credit card details, or even your Social Security number. Scammers capture this information to commit identity theft and financial fraud.
4
After entering your information, the scammers may charge your card for the small fee and then use your stolen details for larger fraudulent purchases or sell your data on the dark web. In some cases, clicking the link can also install malware on your device.
Red Flags
- Receiving an unexpected message about a package you did not order or are not tracking.
- The message contains a generic greeting like "Dear Customer" instead of your name.
- The message urges you to click a link to provide personal information or make a payment.
- The message creates a sense of urgency, threatening that your package will be returned if you don't act immediately.
- The sender's email address or the link's URL is misspelled or looks suspicious (e.g., 'fedex-delivery.info' instead of 'fedex.com').
- The message requests a small payment or fee to resolve a delivery issue; legitimate carriers do not charge redelivery fees this way.
- Grammatical errors, typos, or awkward phrasing in the message.
What to Do If Targeted
- Do not click on any links or download any attachments from suspicious delivery notifications.
- Never provide personal or financial information in response to an unsolicited text or email.
- Go directly to the official website of the shipping carrier (e.g., usps.com, fedex.com, ups.com) and use your official tracking number to check the package status.
- If you accidentally clicked a link or provided information, immediately contact your bank or credit card company to report potential fraud and monitor your accounts closely.
- Forward suspicious text messages to 7726 (SPAM) to help your wireless provider block similar messages.
- Delete the fraudulent text message or email from your device.
How to Report It
- FTC — File a fraud report with the Federal Trade Commission to help with investigations.
- FBI IC3 — Report internet crime, including phishing and smishing, to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
- USPS — Forward suspicious USPS-related emails to spam@uspis.gov. For text messages, copy the message and send it in an email.
- FCC — File a complaint about phone scams, robocalls, or unwanted calls with the Federal Communications Commission.
- AARP Fraud Helpline — Call 877-908-3360 for free support from trained fraud specialists. Available to anyone, not just AARP members.
Key Statistics
- Consumers reported losing $470 million to scams that started with a text message in 2024, with fake package delivery notices being the most common complaint. — FTC 2025
- Imposter scams, which include package delivery schemes, were the top fraud category in 2023, with reported losses of $2.7 billion. — FTC 2024
- The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) was the most frequently impersonated organization by scammers in 2023. — BBB 2024
- The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received 859,532 complaints in 2024, with total reported losses exceeding $16.6 billion. — FBI IC3 2025
- Phishing/spoofing was the most common type of crime reported to the FBI IC3 in 2024, with 193,407 complaints. — FBI IC3 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
A package delivery scam is a fraudulent scheme where criminals send text messages or emails impersonating legitimate delivery services like USPS, FedEx, or UPS. These messages claim there's a problem with a delivery and trick victims into clicking a malicious link to steal their personal and financial information. This type of fraud was the most reported text message scam in 2024. (Source: FTC)
No, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will not send unsolicited text messages or emails with a link. While you can sign up for tracking updates, USPS messages will not contain a link. Always be suspicious of unexpected messages with links, as this is a primary tactic used by scammers. (Source: USPS)
In 2024, consumers reported losing $470 million to scams that originated from text messages, with fake package delivery notices being the most common type. Overall fraud losses reported to the FTC reached a record $10 billion in 2023, showing a significant and growing financial impact from various scams. (Source: FTC)
Scammers use the personal and financial information they steal, such as your name, address, and credit card number, to commit identity theft and financial fraud. They can open new accounts in your name, make unauthorized purchases, or sell your data to other criminals. Even a small "redelivery fee" is a trick to get your credit card details for larger fraudulent activities. (Source: BBB)
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