Fake Delivery Scams

📦 Fake Delivery Scams: How to Identify SMS, Email & Package Delivery Fraud (2025 Guide)

Fake delivery scams are one of the most common and effective forms of fraud today.
Since almost everyone receives packages, scammers exploit delivery notifications to trick victims into clicking malicious links, paying fake fees, or providing personal information.

These scams usually target victims through:

  • SMS (“smishing”)
  • Email (“phishing”)
  • Fake tracking links
  • Phone calls
  • Fake courier websites
  • Messenger apps

To understand the manipulation behind these scams, see:
👉 Social Engineering

🔍 What Is a Fake Delivery Scam?

A fake delivery scam is when criminals impersonate a courier service to trick victims into:

  • Clicking malicious tracking links
  • Paying fake delivery fees
  • Entering login or payment information
  • Installing malware
  • Verifying personal details
  • Calling fake customer service numbers

Scammers often impersonate major delivery companies such as:

  • DHL
  • FedEx
  • UPS
  • USPS
  • Royal Mail
  • Local courier services

These scams often lead to identity theft:
👉 Identity Theft Protection

🔥 How Fake Delivery Scams Work

Fake delivery scams generally follow a predictable pattern:

  1. You receive a message claiming a problem with a package.
  2. The message contains a link to a fake tracking page.
  3. The page requests payment, login details, or personal info.
  4. Attackers steal your data or install malware.

This method often leads to account takeover:
👉 Prevent Account Takeovers

🚨 Common Types of Fake Delivery Scams

1️⃣ Fake “Package Waiting” SMS Messages

Examples:

  • “Your package is ready for delivery. Confirm your address: [link]”
  • “Delivery attempt failed. Reschedule here: [link]”
  • “Your parcel is held due to unpaid customs fees: [link]”

These links redirect to phishing sites.

Scammers create domains that look similar to real courier sites.

Examples:

  • dhl-delivery-confirm.com
  • ups-track-support.net
  • fedex-parcel-update.info

Learn to identify fake websites:
👉 Verify Website Legitimacy

3️⃣ Fake Email Delivery Notices

Emails may include:

  • Fake logos
  • Urgent wording
  • Malicious attachments
  • Request for payment or login

These emails frequently contain malware-laden documents:
👉 Malware & System Defense

4️⃣ Fake Phone Calls

Scammers call pretending to be courier agents asking for:

  • Address confirmation
  • Payment for delivery
  • Customs fees
  • Delivery rescheduling information

They may ask for full personal details.

5️⃣ Fake Delivery Fee Scams

Common fee requests:

  • “Customs clearance fee”
  • “Re-delivery fee”
  • “Package verification fee”
  • “Import tax payment”

Scammers often accept:

  • Credit cards
  • Crypto
  • Payment apps

See payment safety:
👉 Payment App Scams

6️⃣ Fake Missed Delivery Notes

Paper slips left at your door instructing you to:

  • Call a number
  • Scan a QR code
  • Visit a fake website

These lead to phishing or malware.

7️⃣ Fake Marketplace Delivery Scams

Common on:

  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Instagram
  • WhatsApp
  • Craigslist
  • eBay

Scammers offer fake “shipping services” and request payments outside the platform.

8️⃣ Malicious QR Codes

Fake QR codes appear on:

  • Mailboxes
  • Packages
  • Public posters
  • Delivery stickers

They redirect to phishing pages.

🚩 Red Flags of a Fake Delivery Scam

Be suspicious if you see:

  • Unexpected delivery notifications
  • Poor grammar or strange wording
  • Shortened links (bit.ly, tinyurl)
  • Requests for payment
  • Requests for personal information
  • Messages with urgency
  • No mention of the courier’s official name
  • Tracking pages with unfamiliar domain names
  • Messages from unknown senders

If in doubt — do NOT click.

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself from Fake Delivery Scams

Always visit the courier’s official website manually.

Guide:
👉 Verify Website Legitimacy

✔ 2. Check Your Real Orders

Ask yourself:

  • Did I order anything recently?
  • Am I expecting a package?
  • Did the store confirm a delivery?

If not → assume it’s a scam.

✔ 3. Use Official Apps

Install the real:

  • UPS app
  • DHL app
  • FedEx app
  • Local courier apps

They show real tracking information.

Customs fees or delivery fees should ONLY be paid through the:

  • Retailer
  • Official courier website
  • Official app

✔ 5. Avoid Calling Phone Numbers From SMS/Emails

Scammers often run fake support hotlines.

Search the company’s official number on their website.

✔ 6. Don’t Enter Personal Information

Fake delivery sites ask for:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Date of birth
  • Credit card info

Never provide these on suspicious websites.

✔ 7. Use MFA and Strong Passwords

If scammers steal your login credentials, strong security settings protect you.

👉 Strong Passwords
👉 Multi-Factor Authentication

✔ 8. Secure Your Devices

Avoid malware infections through fake attachments.

👉 Malware & System Defense

✔ 9. Block and Delete Fake Messages

Never reply — it confirms your number is active.

🛑 What to Do If You Clicked a Fake Delivery Link

1️⃣ Disconnect from the Internet

Stops data transmission.

2️⃣ Clear your browser tabs and history

Close suspicious pages.

3️⃣ Scan your device

Look for malware infections.
👉 Malware & System Defense

4️⃣ Change your passwords

Especially if you entered login details.
👉 Strong Passwords

5️⃣ Enable MFA

Adds a second layer of protection.
👉 Prevent Account Takeovers

6️⃣ Contact your bank

If you entered payment details.

7️⃣ Monitor your accounts

Watch for new charges or login attempts.

📚 Summary

Fake delivery scams are extremely common — but easy to avoid when you know the warning signs.
By verifying tracking pages, avoiding suspicious links, and securing your accounts, you can protect yourself from smishing, phishing, and impersonation attacks.

Explore more protection guides:

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