Delivery scam texts are sent in huge waves and often land when people are genuinely waiting for packages. The link is the trap: it leads to a fake shipping page built to collect card or personal details.
Does this affect you?
Use this for texts claiming to come from USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL, or another carrier about a failed delivery, incomplete address, package hold, customs fee, or redelivery charge.
Spot the signs of a fake delivery text
These messages usually share the same clues.
- A small fee to release, redeliver, or correct a package is suspicious. Major carriers do not collect surprise delivery fees through random text links.
- Check the domain carefully. A fake may use words like USPS or tracking in the domain while not being usps.com, fedex.com, ups.com, or dhl.com.
- Shortened links hide the destination and should not be used for delivery payments or address updates.
- A missing tracking number, unfamiliar number, or tracking number that does not match your order confirmation is a warning sign.
- Vague urgency such as address confirmation required or delivery failed is meant to make you tap quickly.
- Random phone numbers or email-to-text senders are less trustworthy than carrier communication you set up yourself.
Do not tap the link and do not reply STOP to suspicious messages. Replies can confirm your number is active.
Check the real delivery status yourself
Use the carrier route you control.
- Open the official USPS, FedEx, UPS, or DHL app, or type the carrier website yourself.
- Use the tracking number from your order confirmation email or retailer account, not the suspicious text.
- If the official carrier site shows no issue or no matching package, the text is fake.
- For real international customs questions, call the carrier using customer service information from its official website.
Report and block the text
Reporting helps phone companies and carriers filter similar messages.
- Forward the text to 7726, which reports spam to most U.S. mobile carriers.
- Report the scam to the impersonated carrier. USPS reporting is handled through the Postal Inspection Service, and FedEx, UPS, and DHL provide fraud-report forms.
- File a report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Block the sender on iPhone through the conversation info screen, or on Android through the message menu.
- Delete the text after reporting it.
More control
If you entered card details
Contact the card issuer immediately, ask about fraud monitoring or replacement, and watch statements for unfamiliar charges.
If you reused a password
Change that password on any account where it was used. Scammers may use one delivery click to prepare a more convincing follow-up.
Seasonal timing is common
These texts often rise during major shopping seasons. Receiving one usually means you were part of a mass send, not necessarily personally targeted.
Sources
- USPS – Report Scams Smishing Related to USPS (2025)
- FedEx – Recognize and Report Fraudulent Communications (2025)
- FTC Consumer Advice – How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams (2025)