Don’t Get Tricked: How to Spot Holiday Package Delivery Scams
It’s the middle of the holiday season, and Jane receives a text message that looks urgent:
“Your package is on hold. Pay $3.99 to release it. Tracking number: 12345XYZ. Click here to complete payment.”
At first glance, it seems legitimate. After all, Jane has been ordering gifts online. But something feels off. She notices:
- The tracking number doesn't match any of her recent orders.
- The link looks suspicious and doesn't match the official delivery company's website.
- The message is asking for payment through a text link, which is unusual.
Jane deletes the message immediately and avoids giving out any personal or financial information. Her smart thinking saved her from falling victim to a scam.
What is a Package Delivery Scam?
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), package delivery scams are deceptive practices where individuals receive packages or parcels they never ordered. These scams often involve unsolicited texts or emails claiming a package is stuck in customs or requires payment of a fee before delivery. Scammers frequently use fake tracking numbers or QR codes to trick recipients into providing personal information or making payments.
Signs of a Package Delivery Scam
- A sense of urgency: Scammers pressure you to act immediately so you don’t have time to think.
- Requests for personal information: Legitimate delivery services never ask for your personal or financial details to complete a delivery.
- Unordered packages: If you haven’t ordered anything, any message about a delivery is likely a scam.
- Suspicious links: Messages that include links with slightly altered business names (e.g., fedX.com or fed-ex.com) are a major warning sign.
How to Protect Yourself
- Don’t return calls from unknown numbers: Even if the message looks familiar, only call official numbers listed on the company’s website.
- Check communication policies: UPS and FedEx do not request payment or personal details through unsolicited texts or emails.
- Verify tracking numbers: If a tracking number is provided, visit the official carrier’s website (e.g., DHL, FedEx, UPS, USPS) and enter it there.
- Missed delivery tags: If you find a tag on your door, contact the company using its official number—not the one on the tag.
- Keep track of your deliveries: Scammers hope you'll just assume they are talking about a package you ordered recently, without double-checking. It will be much harder for them to fool you if you know what packages you are expecting, from what companies, and when.
What Delivery Companies Say
National delivery companies are also helping consumers avoid scams:
- FedEx provides common warning signs of mail, text, or online scams on its website.
- UPS offers examples of fraudulent communications on its fraud alert page.
Both companies emphasize that they do not seek payment or personal information through unsolicited texts or emails.
Stay alert this holiday season! If you receive a suspicious message, don’t click links, don’t share personal information, and delete the message immediately. When in doubt, go directly to the official delivery company’s website or contact them using verified information.
Information from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Better Business Bureau (BBB), and American Bankers Association (ABA).
