What Fake Delivery Texts Look Like

These scam texts are designed to look urgent and official. Here are the most common patterns.

• "Your USPS package could not be delivered. Click here to reschedule: [link]"
• "UPS: Your package is on hold. Confirm your address to release it: [link]"
• "Amazon: We were unable to deliver your order. Update your delivery preferences: [link]"
• "Your package has been held at the post office. A small fee is required to release it: [link]"
• The link usually goes to a website that looks like the real carrier's site but has a slightly different domain name.

Red Flags That Identify a Fake Delivery Text

Real delivery notifications from carriers look different from scam texts. Here is what to look for.

• You were not expecting a package: if you did not order anything, a delivery notification is suspicious.
• The text asks you to click a link: real carriers send tracking numbers, not links requiring you to take action.
• The link does not go to the carrier's real website: hover over or press and hold the link to see the actual URL. "usps-delivery-update.com" is not USPS.
• The text asks for payment: real carriers do not ask for payment via text to release a package.
• The text asks for personal information: real carriers do not ask for your Social Security number, credit card, or date of birth via text.
• The text comes from a random phone number: real carrier texts come from short codes (5-digit numbers) or verified business numbers.

How to Verify a Delivery Notification

If you receive a delivery notification and are not sure if it is real, verify it directly — do not use the link in the text.

1. 1Go directly to the carrier's official website by typing it in your browser: usps.com, ups.com, fedex.com, or amazon.com.
2. 2Log in to your account or use the tracking number from your original order confirmation email.
3. 3If there is a real delivery issue, it will show up there.
4. 4Never use the link in the text to check your package status.

What to Do If You Receive a Fake Delivery Text

If you receive a text you believe is a scam, here is what to do.

1. 1Do not click any links in the text.
2. 2Do not reply to the text.
3. 3Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) — this reports it to your carrier for free.
4. 4Delete the text.
5. 5Block the number if your phone allows it.

What to Do If You Already Clicked the Link

If you clicked the link but did not enter any information, you are likely fine. If you entered personal or payment information, take these steps immediately.

1. 1Do not enter any more information on the page.
2. 2Close the page.
3. 3If you entered a password, change it immediately on the real website.
4. 4If you entered credit card information, call your bank immediately to report potential fraud.
5. 5Run a security scan on your device.
6. 6Monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity.

How to Reduce the Number of Scam Texts You Receive

You cannot stop all scam texts, but you can reduce them.

• Register your number at donotcall.gov — this reduces telemarketing calls and some texts.
• Use your phone's built-in spam filtering: on iPhone, go to Settings → Messages → Filter Unknown Senders. On Android, open the Messages app → Settings → Spam protection.
• Do not respond to scam texts — even replying "STOP" confirms your number is active and can lead to more texts.
• Be careful about where you share your phone number online.