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Package Delivery Scams

3 minute read

Fake 'missed delivery' messages with malicious links.

How It Works

  1. You receive a text or email about a “missed delivery” or “delivery problem”
  2. It asks you to click a link to reschedule, confirm your address, or pay a small fee
  3. The link goes to a fake site that steals your information or installs malware

What It Looks Like

Scam text message:

USPS: We have a package for you. Please confirm your address: usps-delivery-confirm.com/track

Scam email:

Subject: FedEx: Delivery attempted - Action required

We attempted delivery but no one was home. Your package will be returned to sender in 24 hours unless you reschedule.

[Reschedule Delivery]

Red Flags

  • You weren’t expecting a package
  • Generic message with no specific tracking number you recognize
  • Link doesn’t go to the official carrier site (usps.com, fedex.com, ups.com)
  • Asks for payment to release a package
  • Creates urgency (“Will be returned tomorrow!”)
  • Comes from a random phone number or suspicious email
  • Poor grammar or misspellings

How to Protect Yourself

✓ Don’t click links in texts or emails about packages

✓ Go directly to the carrier’s official website or app

✓ Enter tracking numbers from your order confirmation—not from suspicious messages

✓ Remember: Real carriers don’t ask for payment via text to deliver your package

What Legitimate Delivery Notifications Look Like

Real notifications usually come from:

  • The retailer who shipped your order (Amazon, Target, etc.)
  • Official carrier apps you signed up for
  • Include tracking numbers that match your records
  • Link to real carrier domains (usps.com, fedex.com, ups.com)
  1. Don’t enter any information
  2. Close the browser
  3. If you entered personal info: See what to do →
  4. If you installed an app: Delete it immediately, consider a factory reset