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

Before Clicking Any Link:

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.