📦 Delivery / Shipping Scams: When Your Package Is Just the Bait

We all love the excitement of a package on the way, especially when it’s a surprise. But scammers know this too, and they’re using fake delivery notifications to trick people into handing over money or sensitive information. The *delivery/shipping scam* is one of the fastest-growing frauds, especially during busy shopping seasons. With Christmas fast approaching, arm yourself with knowledge and avoid this popular scam.

What It Is

A delivery scam usually starts with a text, email, or even a phone call claiming to be from a well-known courier, like FedEx, UPS, DHL, or your local postal service. The message says your package is delayed, needs rescheduling, or requires a small fee to release. There’s a link to click or a number to call.

But here’s the truth: *the package doesn’t exist, and the only thing being delivered is a scam.*

Red Flags to Watch For

*Unexpected delivery notifications:* You weren’t expecting a package, or the sender is vague about what’s being delivered.

*Odd sender addresses:* The email or text comes from a strange domain, not the official courier.

*Urgent language:* “Act now to avoid return!” or “Your package will be held unless you pay.”

*Links to unfamiliar websites:* The link doesn’t match the courier’s real website. It might even look real, but if you look close, [www.upss.com/deliv](http://www.upss.com/deliv)... note the extra "s".

*Requests for payment or personal info:* Real couriers don’t ask for credit card details or personal data via text or email.

How the Scam Works

*The Bait:* You get a message about a delayed or undeliverable package.

2. *The Hook:* The message urges you to click a link or call a number to resolve the issue.

3. *The Trap:* The fake site asks for your address, credit card, or even a small “redelivery fee.”

4. *The Sting:* Scammers steal your payment info, personal data, or infect your device with malware.

Why It Works

Scammers rely on the excitement (or anxiety) of waiting for a package. During holidays or sales events, it’s easy to forget what you’ve ordered. The urgency and official looking messages make it tempting to click without thinking.

How to Protect Yourself

*Track packages directly:* Use the retailer’s website or the courier’s official tracking page. This is easy to do, they all have their package tracking URLs on their home page.

*Don’t click suspicious links:* Go to the courier’s site manually if you’re unsure. Never click on the link they provide you.

*Never pay unexpected fees:* Legitimate couriers don’t ask for extra payments after shipping.

*Check the sender:* Official messages come from real company domains, not random email addresses or phone numbers. Call the number of the company website if you are unsure. (Type it directly, again don't click the link in the message you receive)

*Report suspicious messages:* Forward phishing texts or emails to your courier’s fraud department, your local law enforcement, or your country’s cybercrime center.

The Bottom Line

If you get a surprise delivery message, pause before you click. Scammers are counting on you to act fast. When in doubt, check your orders and contact the courier directly using their official website.

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