How do I recognize the signs?

Fake delivery messages create urgency, use suspicious links, ask for payment, or request personal information. Real carriers do not operate this way by text or email.

How do I do not click the link?

If you receive a suspicious delivery text or email, do not tap the link. Delete the message.

How do I track packages through official channels?

If you are expecting a delivery, go directly to usps.com, ups.com, fedex.com, or the Amazon app and enter your tracking number there.

How do I check the sender and url?

Real USPS texts come from short numbers, not regular phone numbers. Real URLs use the exact domain (usps.com, ups.com). Look for misspellings or extra words in the URL.

How do I never pay unexpected fees by text?

If a package truly requires a fee, it is handled at delivery or through the carrier's official website — never through a link in a random text message.

How do I report and block?

Forward scam texts to 7726. Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Block the sender on your phone.

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Package delivery scams are one of the fastest-growing types of fraud. You receive a text message or email claiming to be from USPS, UPS, FedEx, or Amazon saying there is a problem with your delivery — a missed package, a required fee, or an address confirmation needed. The message includes a link that leads to a fake website designed to steal your personal or financial information.

These scams work because so many people order packages online. At any given time, you might actually be expecting a delivery, which makes the scam message seem plausible.

How to recognize a delivery scam: the message creates urgency ("Your package will be returned if you do not respond within 24 hours"). Real delivery companies leave a note or try again — they do not threaten to return packages by text. The link looks off — the URL might be something like usps-delivery-update.com instead of the real domain (usps.com). It asks for payment — real delivery companies do not charge unexpected fees by text. It asks for personal information — a real delivery notification never asks for your Social Security number or credit card number.

What to do instead: if you get a suspicious delivery message, do not click the link. If you are expecting a package, go directly to the carrier's official website (usps.com, ups.com, fedex.com) and enter your tracking number there. You can also use the official app for each carrier to track packages.

If you already clicked a scam link: do not enter any information. Close the browser. If you entered financial information, call your bank or credit card company immediately. If you entered login credentials, change those passwords right away.

Report delivery scams: forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM). Report fake USPS messages at uspis.gov. Report phishing to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.