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With the holiday shopping season underway, many people are keeping an eye out for packages arriving at their doorsteps. Whether you're waiting for a gift or an everyday purchase, receiving a shipping notification can feel like a normal part of the process.

Unfortunately, scammers know this, too. Criminals try to trick recipients into sharing personal information, entering payment details, or visiting fraudulent websites by sending fake package delivery notifications via text and email.

Knowing how these delivery scams work and recognizing their warning signs can help you protect your information. Learning how to spot potentially fraudulent activity can go a long way towards protecting your peace of mind – and your finances.

How Do Fake Package Delivery Scams Work?

Fake package delivery scams typically begin with an unexpected text message or email claiming to be from a shipping company.

Examples of shipping companies that scammers may impersonate include USPS, UPS, and FedEx. Some online retailers, such as Amazon, have their own shipping component, and scammers may pose as these companies, too.

The message may claim that a package cannot be delivered because of an incorrect address, an unpaid shipping fee, or a missed delivery attempt. The message may also say that, to resolve the issue, recipients must click a link or provide additional information.

However, that link may lead to a fraudulent website designed to resemble a legitimate shipping company's website. Once there, visitors may be asked to enter personal details, account credentials, or credit card information.

These scams are especially convincing during the holidays, when consumers may be expecting multiple deliveries and might not immediately recognize which packages are arriving.

Warning Signs of a Scam Delivery Notification

Although fraudulent delivery notifications can look convincing, several warning signs may help you recognize a scam.

Here are a few telltale examples of a fake delivery scam:

• Unexpected requests for payment. A message claiming you owe a small fee to release or redeliver a package could be an attempt to collect your payment information.
• Suspicious website links. Scammers often use web addresses that closely resemble legitimate shipping companies. Even a slight spelling difference in the URL could lead you to a fraudulent website.
• Requests for sensitive information. Be cautious of messages asking you to provide passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal information to complete a delivery.
• Pressure to act immediately. A notification claiming your package will be returned or discarded unless you respond quickly may be designed to discourage you from verifying the message.
• Unfamiliar senders. Unexpected messages from unknown phone numbers or unusual email addresses deserve additional scrutiny.
  

A message that looks legitimate isn't necessarily trustworthy. Remember, scammers can imitate familiar company logos, use professional-looking language, and create realistic websites to make their claims seem believable at first glance.

How To Verify a Package Delivery Safely

If you receive a questionable delivery notification, the safest approach is to verify the information independently rather than interacting with the message.

Start by checking your original order confirmation or signing in to the retailer's website or mobile app. Most online retailers provide tracking information that lets you check an order's status directly.

You can also visit the shipping company's official website by entering its address into your browser. If you have a tracking number from your original order confirmation, use it to check for updates.

If you're still uncertain, contact the retailer or shipping company using a verified customer service number.

Remember: you don't need to click a link in an unexpected message to confirm whether a package is on its way. Taking a moment to verify a delivery through a trusted source can help you avoid sharing information with scammers.

You can also take proactive measures against fake deliveries by confirming which shipping companies will be responsible for your orders.

For example, many online retailers will provide the shipping information linked to your order once it’s ready for delivery. This information, which includes the shipping company name and confirmation number, lets you track your delivery’s progress independently while minimizing your reliance on text or email notifications.

What Should You Do If You Respond To a Delivery Scam?

If you've already clicked a suspicious link or entered information on a fraudulent website, act quickly to limit potential damage.

If you provided credit or debit card information, contact your financial institution immediately. They can help you lock your affected cards and issue replacements. Review recent transactions and report any unauthorized activity.

If you entered a username or password, change the affected password immediately through the service provider’s website or app. Update any other accounts that use the same password and enable multi-factor authentication when available.

If you downloaded an unfamiliar attachment or software, run a security scan on your device and follow the recommended steps to remove potential threats.

You can also report suspicious delivery texts by reporting them to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Stay Alert While Waiting for Your Next Delivery

Package delivery scams can happen throughout the year, but the busy holiday shopping season creates more opportunities for fraudulent notifications to blend in with legitimate shipping updates.

By recognizing suspicious messages, checking delivery information through trusted sources, and avoiding unexpected requests for personal or financial information, you can reduce your chances of falling for a fake delivery scam.

Waiting for a delivery can be fun and exciting. By learning how to avoid fake delivery attempts, you can also stay safe. Visit our Scam and Fraud Education page to learn the other steps you can take to protect your personal information and finances.