Fake Delivery Notification Scam
Fraudulent messages claiming a package could not be delivered
How this scam works
Fraudulent messages claim a package could not be delivered and ask you to click a link to reschedule or pay a small fee. These scams impersonate popular delivery services like USPS, FedEx, Royal Mail, DHL, and local postal services.
The links lead to phishing sites that steal personal information or payment details. The small fee request (often under $5) makes victims more likely to pay without thinking.
Warning signs
- ⚠️Unexpected delivery notification you weren't expecting
- ⚠️Requests small payment for redelivery or customs
- ⚠️Links don't match official courier websites
- ⚠️Generic tracking number that can't be verified
- ⚠️Urgency: "Package will be returned within 24 hours"
- ⚠️Sender uses short code or unknown number
Real examples
“Your package could not be delivered. Please confirm your address and pay $1.99 redelivery fee: tracking-update.com/confirm”
Legitimate couriers don't charge redelivery fees via SMS. Domain is not from any real courier.
“USPS: We attempted delivery of your parcel. Schedule new delivery: usps-redelivery.com”
Fake domain (real USPS is usps.com). USPS doesn't request personal info via text.
What to do
- ✓Check tracking on the official courier website directly
- ✓Legitimate couriers rarely charge small fees for redelivery
- ✓Never click links in delivery SMS — go to official website
- ✓If unsure, call the courier's official number
- ✓Report phishing texts to your mobile carrier