Fake Missed Delivery Notices: Don’t Pay a Redelivery Fee You Don’t Owe

If a text message says a package could not be delivered and you need to pay a small redelivery fee, slow down. That message is probably a scam. Criminals know that millions of Americans order medicine, groceries, clothing, and household goods online. They also know that a missed delivery notice feels ordinary. So they copy the language of the United States Postal Service, UPS, FedEx, Amazon, and other carriers. They send a text or email with a link. The link may look almost right. It may say there is a package waiting, an address problem, or a small charge to reschedule delivery. The goal is not to deliver anything. The goal is to get your credit card number, your personal information, or access to your phone or computer.

These messages often arrive when you are not expecting a package, or when you are expecting one and may not remember every tracking update. The scam works because it creates a moment of doubt. You might think, “Did I miss something?“ The message may use urgency. It may say the package will be returned to sender within twenty-four hours. It may claim a fee of ninety-nine cents or two dollars. A small amount feels harmless. That is the trick. Once you enter your card information on the fake page, the scammers can charge larger amounts later or sell the card number to other criminals. If you enter your address, phone number, and date of birth, they can use that information for identity theft.

The fake websites can be convincing. They may use real carrier logos, colors, and tracking formats. Some even show a fake tracking number that looks official. But there are reliable warning signs. Legitimate carriers do not send random texts demanding payment through a link. If a real delivery needs a fee, such as customs charges or postage due, you will usually get an official notice through the mail or see the charge through the retailer or carrier account you already use. A real carrier will not ask for your Social Security number, your bank login, or your email password to deliver a package. It will not ask you to download a remote-access app. It will not tell you to pay with gift cards. And it will not threaten you with arrest or legal action over a missed package.

Look closely at the sender. Scam texts often come from a regular ten-digit number, an email address with extra letters, or a group message. The message may use a generic greeting like “Dear customer” instead of your name. It may have spelling errors, awkward phrasing, or a link that is shortened or slightly misspelled. Even if the link includes the carrier’s name, that proves nothing. Scammers can put any words in a web address. Hover over a link on a computer, or press and hold on a phone, to see the real destination before tapping. If you do not recognize it, do not open it.

The safest response is to stop and verify through a source you trust. Do not click the link. Do not call the number in the message. Instead, open the official app or type the carrier’s main website address yourself. If you have a tracking number from a retailer, use that. If you are not expecting a package, contact the retailer or sender directly. If you did click the link but did not enter information, close the page and delete the message. If you entered card details, call your bank or credit card company right away and ask for a new card. If you entered a password, change it on the real account and anywhere you reused it. If you downloaded an app or allowed remote access, disconnect from the internet, run a security scan, and consider getting help from a trusted tech professional.

You can also report the message. Forward scam texts to 7726, which spells SPAM on most keypads. Report the email or text to the real carrier’s fraud department. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. These reports help investigators spot patterns and shut down scams. Talk with family members, especially anyone who lives alone and orders online often. The conversation can be simple: no delivery fee should ever be paid through a surprise link. If a package is truly delayed, the information will be available through the retailer or the carrier’s official app. When in doubt, do not click. Check first. That extra minute can save you from a drained bank account, a stolen identity, or a compromised phone.