Fake Delivery Texts — UPS, USPS, and FedEx Scam Messages Explained

Last Tuesday, Margaret got a text message that said her UPS package could not be delivered because of an incorrect address. She had just ordered new gardening gloves online, so it seemed perfectly timed. The message included a link to "update your address and schedule redelivery." Fortunately, Margaret paused before tapping the link. She called her daughter, who helped her check the UPS website directly. There was no failed delivery. The text was a scam.

Margaret is not alone. Millions of fake delivery texts are sent every single day, and they target people of all ages. But older adults are especially at risk because scammers know that many seniors order items online and are likely to take a text message seriously. The good news is that these scams follow predictable patterns, and once you know what to look for, you will spot them right away.

If you have already read our guide on how to spot scam emails and texts, this article goes deeper into one of the most common types: package delivery scam texts.

Why Delivery Scams Are So Effective

Package delivery scams work because they tap into something real. Most of us order things online regularly. At any given time, you might be waiting for a package from Amazon, a prescription, or a gift from a family member. When a text arrives saying something went wrong with your delivery, your first instinct is to fix the problem.

Scammers count on that instinct. They send millions of fake delivery texts at random, knowing that a certain percentage of people will actually be expecting a package. They do not know what you ordered or who you are. They are simply casting a wide net and hoping someone bites.

What Fake Delivery Texts Look Like

Here are real examples of the kind of fake delivery text messages that scammers send. These are all scams. Do not tap any links that look like these.

Fake UPS Scam Texts

Example: "UPS: Your package could not be delivered due to an incomplete address. Update your info here: ups-redelivery-update.com"

Example: "UPS Notification: A package addressed to you is on hold. Confirm delivery details at: ups-pkginfo.com/track"

A real UPS scam text will often use the UPS name to make you trust it instantly. But notice that the web addresses are not the real UPS website (which is ups.com). Scammers use look-alike domains that seem official but are completely fake.

Fake USPS Scam Texts

Example: "USPS: We attempted delivery of your parcel but were unable to reach you. Schedule a new delivery at: usps-redelivery-notice.com"

Example: "US Postal Service: Your package is waiting at the facility. A small redelivery fee of $1.50 is required. Pay here: usps-fee-collect.com"

The USPS scam text is one of the most common delivery scams in circulation. The United States Postal Service has issued repeated warnings that they do not send unsolicited text messages asking for payment or personal information. If you did not sign up for USPS tracking alerts for a specific package, any text claiming to be from USPS is almost certainly a scam.

Fake FedEx Scam Texts

Example: "FedEx: Your shipment #7491-38201 is pending due to an unpaid customs fee. Resolve it now: fedex-customs-clearance.com"

Example: "FedEx Delivery Alert: We could not deliver your package today. Reschedule here: fedxdelivery-notice.com"

A FedEx scam text often includes a fake tracking number to look more legitimate. But real FedEx tracking numbers follow a specific format, and the company will never ask you to pay fees through a text message link.

Fake DHL and Amazon Scam Texts

The same tricks are used with DHL, Amazon, and other delivery brands. Any text that asks you to click a link to "confirm your address," "pay a small fee," or "reschedule delivery" should be treated with extreme suspicion.

How Real Carriers Actually Communicate

Understanding how legitimate delivery companies contact you makes it much easier to spot fakes.

• UPS sends tracking updates by text only if you specifically signed up for UPS My Choice alerts. They will never ask for payment or personal details through a text link.
• USPS offers text tracking through Informed Delivery, but only if you register for it. USPS will never text you asking for money, your address, or your Social Security number.
• FedEx sends delivery notifications through the FedEx app or email if you have a FedEx account. They do not send random texts demanding payment.
• DHL communicates primarily through email and their app. They do not send texts asking you to pay customs fees through a link.

The key rule is simple: real delivery companies will never ask you to pay a fee or provide personal information through a text message link. If a real delivery attempt fails, you will receive an official notice card left at your door or a notification through the carrier's official app or website.

6 Red Flags That a Delivery Text Is a Scam

Here are the warning signs to watch for every time you receive a text about a package:

1. You Did Not Sign Up for Text Alerts

If you never gave your phone number to UPS, USPS, or FedEx for tracking notifications, then any delivery text you receive is fake. It is that simple.

2. The Link Looks Wrong

Real links from delivery companies use their official domains: ups.com, usps.com, fedex.com. If the link in the text uses a different domain, contains extra words, or uses hyphens and numbers to mimic the real address, do not tap it.

3. It Asks You to Pay a Fee

Legitimate carriers do not ask for "redelivery fees," "customs fees," or "processing charges" through text message links. If a text asks for any amount of money, even just $1 or $2, it is a scam designed to steal your credit card information.

4. It Creates Urgency

Phrases like "respond within 24 hours," "your package will be returned," or "immediate action required" are classic pressure tactics. Real companies give you plenty of time and multiple ways to handle delivery issues.

5. The Grammar or Formatting Is Off

Many scam texts contain small errors: unusual spacing, odd capitalization, or phrases that do not sound quite right. While some scam texts are well-written, poor grammar is still a common giveaway.

6. The Sender Is a Random Phone Number

Legitimate delivery notifications usually come from short codes (5 or 6 digit numbers) or recognized business numbers. If the text comes from a regular 10-digit phone number or an international number, be suspicious.

What to Do If You Receive a Fake Delivery Text

If a suspicious delivery text lands on your phone, follow these steps:

1. Do not tap the link. This is the most important step. The link may lead to a fake website designed to steal your information, or it could download harmful software onto your phone.
2. Do not reply to the message. Replying confirms to scammers that your phone number is active, which means they will send you even more scam messages.
3. Check your real deliveries. If you are genuinely expecting a package, go directly to the carrier's official website or app and enter your tracking number there. Do not use any link from the text.
4. Report the scam. Forward the suspicious text to 7726 (which spells "SPAM" on your phone keypad). This reports it to your mobile carrier. You can also report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
5. Delete the message. Once you have reported it, delete the text so you do not accidentally tap the link later.
6. Tell someone you trust. Let a family member or friend know about the scam so they can watch out for it too.

For a complete walkthrough on reporting any kind of scam, read our guide on how to report a scam.

What Happens If You Already Clicked a Link

If you already tapped a link in a scam text, do not panic. Here is what to do right away:

• If you entered personal information or payment details, contact your bank or credit card company immediately. They can freeze your card and watch for unauthorized charges.
• Change your passwords for any accounts that may be affected, especially your email and banking passwords. Our guide to creating strong passwords can help with this.
• Run a security scan on your phone using a trusted antivirus app. This will check for any harmful software that may have been installed.
• Monitor your accounts for the next few weeks. Look for any charges, emails, or notifications you do not recognize.

You can also use our scam checker tool to verify whether a message you received is a known scam.

How to Protect Yourself Going Forward

A few simple habits will keep you safe from package delivery scams and other text message tricks:

• Never tap links in unexpected texts. Always go directly to the company's official website by typing the address into your browser yourself.
• Sign up for official tracking. If you order packages regularly, create accounts with UPS My Choice, USPS Informed Delivery, and FedEx Delivery Manager. That way, you will know exactly which notifications are real.
• Save your tracking numbers. When you order something online, save the tracking number and carrier name. If you get a text about a delivery, you can check it directly.
• Keep your phone updated. Software updates often include security improvements that help block scam messages.
• Talk to family members about delivery scams. Make sure your spouse, friends, and neighbors know about these tricks too. The more people who know, the fewer victims scammers will find.

For more ways to stay safe from all types of scams, explore our guides on phone scams targeting seniors and how to spot scam emails.

You Are in Control

Scammers want you to feel confused, rushed, and worried. But the truth is, you have all the power here. A scam text only works if you tap the link. By pausing for just a few seconds and asking yourself whether the message makes sense, you defeat the scam completely.

You do not need to be a technology expert to stay safe. You just need to remember one rule: if a delivery text asks you to click a link, pay a fee, or provide personal information, it is a scam. Close it, delete it, and move on with your day.

Every time you spot a fake delivery text and refuse to engage with it, you are protecting yourself, your money, and your personal information. That is something to feel genuinely proud of.