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Protect yourself from online scams

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Package delivery scams

In 2024, delivery notification scams increased by 174%, exploiting our reliance on online shopping and package deliveries. These scams impersonate trusted logistics companies to steal personal information, payment details, and credentials.

The Scale of the Problem

2024 Statistics:

  • 174% increase in delivery service smishing
  • USPS most impersonated carrier (40% of fake messages)
  • $1.99 typical fake “redelivery fee” to steal payment info
  • 26% click-through rate on fake delivery links
  • Messages spike during holiday shopping seasons (Nov-Jan)

Common Delivery Scams

1. Fake Delivery Failure Notices

Scammers send texts or emails claiming your package couldn’t be delivered:

USPS: Your package could not be delivered.
Update your address to reschedule delivery:
[shortened link]

Reality: USPS leaves physical notices and updates via their official app.

2. Redelivery Fee Scams

Messages claim you need to pay a small fee ($1.99-$3.99) to receive your package:

FedEx: Your package is awaiting delivery.
Pay $1.99 redelivery fee here: [link]

Reality: Legitimate carriers don’t charge redelivery fees via text message links.

3. Customs/Tax Payment Scams

For international shipments, scammers claim customs fees are due:

Your package from China is held at customs.
Pay import tax ($35.67) to release: [link]

Reality: Customs fees are paid through official government websites or at delivery.

4. Package Survey Scams

Fake surveys about your delivery experience that lead to phishing:

How was your Amazon delivery experience?
Take our 30-second survey and get a $50 gift card!

Reality: Legitimate surveys don’t promise rewards or ask for payment info.

5. Delivery Driver Impersonation

Scammers pose as drivers asking for gate codes, access, or “verification”:

Hi, I'm your UPS driver. I need your gate code
to deliver your package today. Reply with code.

Reality: Drivers have access codes provided by facilities or will call officially.

Red Flags: How to Spot Fake Delivery Messages

🚩 Unexpected notification for package you didn’t order 🚩 Shortened URLs (bit.ly, tinyurl) instead of official domains 🚩 Payment requests via text message link 🚩 Urgent language (“final attempt,” “expires today”) 🚩 Generic greetings (“Dear Customer” instead of your name) 🚩 Spelling errors in company name or message 🚩 Suspicious sender (not from official carrier number/email) 🚩 Requests for sensitive info (SSN, password, full card number) 🚩 Prize or reward for completing survey 🚩 Pressure to act immediately without verification

What Legitimate Carriers Actually Do

USPS (United States Postal Service)

  • ✅ Leaves pink notice slips (PS Form 3849) for missed deliveries
  • ✅ Sends tracking updates via USPS.com (if you enrolled)
  • ✅ Never sends payment requests via text
  • ✅ Official texts come from 28777 or 2USPS (if enrolled)

FedEx

  • ✅ Sends tracking updates from @fedex.com email addresses
  • ✅ Texts from 37773 (if you enrolled in FedEx Delivery Manager)
  • ✅ Never charges redelivery fees
  • ✅ Provides tracking numbers you can verify on FedEx.com

UPS

  • ✅ Sends notifications from @ups.com email addresses
  • ✅ UPS My Choice members get texts from 63679
  • ✅ Never asks for payment via text message
  • ✅ Tracking numbers verifiable on UPS.com

Amazon

  • ✅ Sends order notifications from @amazon.com addresses
  • ✅ All tracking available in your Amazon account/app
  • ✅ Never sends survey links with reward promises
  • ✅ Customer service accessed through your account, not links

Verification Procedures

  1. Don’t click links in unexpected delivery messages
  2. Open carrier app or website independently
    • Type the official URL directly (usps.com, fedex.com, ups.com)
    • Use your bookmarked links
    • Use official mobile apps
  3. Check your order history
    • Review recent purchases
    • Verify you’re expecting a delivery
  4. Examine the tracking number
    • USPS: 20-22 digits, starts with 94 or 93
    • FedEx: 12-14 digits
    • UPS: Starts with “1Z”
    • Amazon: TBA followed by 13 digits
  5. Verify sender information
    • Check sender email domain carefully
    • Look for official carrier phone numbers

If You’re Unsure:

  • Call official customer service (number from carrier’s website, not message)
  • Visit carrier location with tracking number
  • Check your email for order confirmations from actual retailers
  • Use official apps to track all shipments

Real-World Examples

Case Study 1: Holiday Season USPS Scam (December 2024)

During Black Friday week, scammers sent 2.3 million fake USPS texts:

USPS: Your package (tracking: 9400123456789) requires
address update. Confirm here: usps-delivery[.]com/update

Red flags:

  • Domain was usps-delivery[.]com (not usps.com)
  • No package expected
  • Tracking number format incorrect
  • Asked for SSN and payment info on “verification” page

Result: Victims who entered information had identities stolen and bank accounts drained.

Case Study 2: Fake Amazon Delivery Survey (Summer 2024)

Scammers impersonated Amazon with prize survey scams:

Your Amazon package was delivered! Rate your
driver and claim your $100 Amazon gift card: [link]

Red flags:

  • Link went to amazon-rewards[.]net (not amazon.com)
  • No recent Amazon delivery occurred
  • Gift card promise too good to be true
  • Asked for credit card for “$1 processing fee”

Result: Credit card information stolen, used for fraudulent purchases.

Case Study 3: FedEx Redelivery Fee Scam (October 2024)

Targeted scam during holiday shopping season:

FedEx: Delivery attempt failed. Your package
will be returned unless you pay $2.99 redelivery
fee within 48 hours: [link]

Red flags:

  • FedEx doesn’t charge redelivery fees
  • Urgency (“48 hours”)
  • Payment link instead of official FedEx site
  • Sender was “FedEx” but email was delivery-update@fed3x[.]com

Result: Payment information stolen, multiple fraudulent charges followed.

Protection Strategies

For Individuals:

  1. Enroll in official tracking programs

    • USPS Informed Delivery (see mail before it arrives)
    • FedEx Delivery Manager
    • UPS My Choice
    • Amazon app notifications

  2. Use official mobile apps

    • USPS Mobile® app
    • FedEx® Mobile app
    • UPS Mobile app
    • Amazon Shopping app

  3. Set up delivery preferences

    • Hold packages at facilities
    • Require signature
    • Set specific delivery instructions

  4. Enable account security

    • Strong passwords for carrier accounts
    • Two-factor authentication where available
    • Monitor account activity regularly

  5. Track orders at source

    • Keep retailer order confirmation emails
    • Use retailer’s tracking links, not random texts
    • Check retailer website for status updates

General Best Practices:

  • Never click links in unexpected delivery texts
  • Always type URLs directly or use official apps
  • Don’t provide payment info via text message links
  • Verify tracking numbers through official channels
  • Be extra cautious during holiday seasons
  • Report suspicious messages to carrier fraud departments

What To Do If You Fell for a Delivery Scam

Immediate Actions:

  1. Don’t panic, but act quickly

    • Time is critical for damage control

  2. If you entered payment information:

    • Call your bank/card issuer IMMEDIATELY
    • Report the fraud and request new cards
    • Dispute any unauthorized charges
    • Monitor accounts daily for 60 days

  3. If you entered personal information:

    • SSN entered: Place fraud alert with credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
    • Address/phone entered: Monitor for identity theft
    • Email/password entered: Change passwords on all accounts immediately
    • Enable two-factor authentication everywhere possible

  4. Document everything:

    • Screenshot the fake message
    • Save the fraudulent website URL
    • Note date/time you interacted with scam
    • Keep records of all fraud reports

Report the Scam:

  • FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  • FBI IC3: ic3.gov (if over $1,000 lost)
  • Actual carrier:
    • USPS: uspis.gov/report
    • FedEx: fedex.com/en-us/trust-center/report-fraud.html
    • UPS: ups.com/us/en/help-center/report-fraud.page
    • Amazon: amazon.com/reportphishing
  • Your phone carrier: Forward spam to 7726 (SPAM)
  • State Attorney General: consumer protection division

Follow-Up Actions:

  • Monitor credit reports for 12 months (AnnualCreditReport.com)
  • Consider credit freeze if SSN was compromised
  • Watch bank statements closely
  • Change passwords on all important accounts
  • Enable alerts for account activity

Key Takeaways

  • ✅ 174% surge in delivery scams targets online shoppers
  • ✅ Never click links in unexpected delivery notifications
  • ✅ Always verify through official carrier apps and websites
  • ✅ Real carriers never request payment via text message links
  • ✅ Enroll in official tracking services for legitimate notifications
  • ✅ Watch for red flags: Urgency, payment requests, shortened URLs
  • ✅ Report scams to carriers and FTC to protect others
  • ✅ Act immediately if you’ve shared payment or personal information

Remember: When in doubt, go directly to the carrier’s official website or app. Never click links in unsolicited delivery notifications. Legitimate packages can wait a few minutes for you to verify their authenticity safely.

Author:
How To Use Internet
Last updated:
11/30/2025