Is This Package Delivery Text a Scam?

What this helps with: Spotting fake “missed delivery” texts that say they’re from USPS, UPS, or FedEx, and checking on a real package safely.

More packages are on the way as the holidays get close. Scammers know this. They send texts that look like they come from the Post Office or a delivery company. The text has a link. The link goes to a fake website that asks for a small fee or your card number. Here’s how to tell, and what to do.

What a fake delivery text looks like

• “We missed your delivery.” It says to tap a link to set up a new delivery time.
• “There’s a problem with your address.” It asks you to “update” or “confirm” your address.
• “You owe a small fee.” It asks for a redelivery fee, postage, or a “customs” or “tariff” fee, often just a dollar or two.
• “Act now, or we’ll send it back.” It rushes you so you don’t stop to think.
• The link looks odd. It has strange letters or a web address that isn’t usps.com, ups.com, or fedex.com.
• You didn’t ask for texts. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service says that if you never signed up for USPS tracking texts for that package, don’t tap the link.

UPS and FedEx say they don’t ask for payment or personal details in texts or emails you didn’t expect.

What to do

1. Pause. You don’t have to do anything right away. A real package will wait.
2. Don’t tap the link, and don’t reply. Don’t call a number in the text, either.
   • What you’ll tap: Nothing in the message. Just close it.
3. Check your package the safe way. Go to the store where you ordered it and look at your order there. Or type the delivery company’s real address yourself:
   • usps.com for the Post Office
   • ups.com for UPS
   • fedex.com for FedEx
   • Type the tracking number from your order email or receipt, not one from the text.
4. Report the text.
   • On an iPhone, open the text and tap Report Junk below it, if you see it. Then tap Delete and Report Junk.
   • On an Android phone, press and hold the text, then tap Block or Report spam. The words can be a little different on each phone.
   • You can also forward the text to 7726 (the number spells “SPAM”). This helps your phone company block the sender.
   • What you’ll tap: To forward, press and hold the message, tap More or Forward, then type 7726 as the number to send to.
5. Delete the text after you report it.

If you already tapped or paid

• I only tapped the link. Close the page. Don’t type anything in. It’s a good idea to update your phone so it has the newest safety fixes.
• I typed in my card number or paid a fee. Call your bank or card company right away. Use the number on the back of your card. Tell them it was a scam. Ask them to stop the charge and send you a new card.
• I typed in a password. Change it now. If you use that password anywhere else, change it there too.
• I gave out my Social Security number. Go to IdentityTheft.gov for a step-by-step plan.
• Someone offers to get my money back for a fee. That is usually a second scam. Don’t pay.
• It’s not your fault. These texts fool careful people every day. Telling a family member can help.

Where to report it

• Any delivery scam: Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• Texts or emails that say they’re from USPS: Email spam@uspis.gov, or report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
• Fake UPS or FedEx messages: Each company has a fraud page. See the official sources below.

Want more ways to spot a fake? See our guides to spotting a scam, blocking spam calls and texts, and fake shopping websites.

Official sources

• U.S. Postal Inspection Service: Smishing (fake USPS texts)
• U.S. Postal Inspection Service: Report a mail-related crime or scam
• FTC: Think that text message is from USPS? It could be a scam
• FTC: Fake shipping notification emails and texts this holiday season
• FCC: How to Avoid Package Delivery Scams
• UPS: Fight fraud
• FedEx: Report fraud
• FTC: Report fraud

Last checked: Oct 20, 2026

This is general help, not personalized tech support, and not legal or financial advice. It covers U.S. delivery services. If you think you’ve lost money, contact your bank and the official sources above.