Why am I getting fake delivery texts?

Scammers send millions of fake delivery texts to random phone numbers, especially during holiday shopping seasons. Your number may have been obtained from data breaches, social media, or randomly generated.

What happens if I click a fake delivery link?

The link typically leads to a phishing site that asks for personal information or credit card details. Some links may attempt to install malware. If you clicked but did not enter information, run an antivirus scan. If you entered information, change your passwords and monitor your accounts.

Does USPS send text messages about deliveries?

USPS only sends text messages if you specifically signed up for Informed Delivery text notifications. USPS will never send texts asking for payment or personal information.

What is a brushing scam?

A brushing scam is when you receive packages you did not order. Companies send cheap items to random addresses so they can post fake verified purchase reviews. While not directly harmful, it means someone has your name and address. Report it to the retailer.

Delivery Scam Scams | GetCyberRight

Overview

Fake delivery scams have become one of the fastest-growing fraud types, exploiting the massive increase in online shopping. Scammers send text messages and emails impersonating USPS, FedEx, UPS, Amazon, and other carriers, claiming there is a problem with a package delivery. These messages contain links to phishing sites that steal personal information, payment details, or install malware on your device.

How This Scam Works

Scammers send mass text messages claiming a package delivery failed and requesting address verification through a link.

Fake email notifications mimic real carrier branding, asking victims to pay a small redelivery fee that captures credit card information.

QR codes on fake delivery notices left on doors direct victims to phishing websites.

Fake tracking pages ask for login credentials or payment information to 'schedule redelivery.'

Brushing scams send real packages you did not order, using your address to create fake reviews.

Warning Signs

⚠Delivery notifications for packages you did not order

⚠Texts from short codes or unknown numbers about deliveries

⚠Requests to pay a fee to receive or redeliver a package

⚠Tracking links that do not go to official carrier websites

⚠Messages with urgent deadlines to claim a package

⚠Notifications that do not include your actual name

Real Scam Examples

These are examples of messages used in this type of scam. Recognizing the patterns helps you stay safe.

Fake USPS Text

"USPS: We were unable to deliver your package. Schedule a redelivery by verifying your address: [link]. Package will be returned if not claimed within 48 hours."

FedEx Email

"FedEx Delivery Exception: Package #FX7739201 requires a $1.99 redelivery fee due to incorrect address. Update your information: [link]"

Missed Delivery Notice

"UPS: Your package is being held at our facility. A customs/processing fee of $3.50 is required before delivery. Complete payment: [link]"

How to Protect Yourself

1Track packages through official apps and websites only

If you receive a delivery notification, do not click the link. Instead, go directly to the carrier's official website or app and enter the tracking number manually.

2Carriers never charge redelivery fees via text

USPS, FedEx, UPS, and other major carriers do not charge fees via text message or email to redeliver packages. Any such request is a scam.

3Check your actual orders

Before responding to any delivery notification, verify whether you actually have a pending order through the retailer's website or your email order confirmations.

4Do not scan unknown QR codes

If you find a delivery notice with a QR code that you were not expecting, do not scan it. Contact the carrier directly through their official website.

5Report suspicious messages

Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) and report phishing emails to the carrier. For USPS, report to uspis.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Think you have received a scam like this?

Paste the suspicious message into our free AI-powered GCR Scam Guard for instant analysis.

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