Delivery & Postal Scams

Delivery and postal scams play on the fact that many people are expecting a parcel. A text or email claims a delivery failed, a small redelivery or customs fee is due, or an address needs confirming, and links to a fake page that collects card and personal details. Real couriers usually do not ask for payment by text link, and any genuine charge can be checked through the official tracking page.

Common red flags

  • An unexpected 'missed delivery' message with a link
  • A request to pay a small redelivery, customs, or handling fee
  • Links that do not match the courier's official website
  • Requests for personal or card details to 'reschedule' delivery
  • Urgent wording warning the parcel will be returned or destroyed

Delivery scam guides

High risk Delivery

Canada Post Text Scam

This scam sends a fake Canada Post delivery notice asking you to click a link or pay a small redelivery fee, then collects your card and personal details on a fake page.
High risk Delivery

Fake Delivery Text Scam

This scam impersonates a courier with a missed-delivery text and a link to a fake page that asks for a fee or your personal and card details.
High risk Delivery

Fake Customs Fee Text

This scam texts that a parcel is held in customs and a fee is due, linking to a fake page that collects your card and personal details.
High risk Delivery

USPS Text Scam

This scam sends a fake USPS message about a missed delivery or an address that needs confirming, with a link to a phishing page that collects your card and personal details, sometimes after a small redelivery fee.
High risk Delivery

UPS Text Scam

This scam sends a fake UPS message claiming a delivery failed or that your address is needed, with a link to pay a small fee or confirm details on a fake page that harvests your card and personal information.
High risk Delivery

DHL Text Scam

This scam sends a fake DHL message about a held parcel or unpaid customs fee, pushing you to a phishing page that collects your card and personal details.
High risk Delivery

FedEx Text Scam

This scam sends a fake FedEx text about a held or undeliverable parcel, asking you to pay a small fee or confirm details through a link that leads to a phishing page.
High risk Delivery

Evri Text Scam

This scam sends a fake Evri courier text about a missed delivery or a needed address or small fee, with a link to a phishing page that collects your card and personal details under the guise of rescheduling your parcel.

Frequently asked questions

Do couriers charge fees by text message?
Genuine redelivery is normally free, and any real customs charge can be confirmed through the courier's official website. A small fee demanded through a text link is a common scam pattern.
I am expecting a parcel, so is the text probably real?
Scammers rely on this. Even if you are expecting something, check the tracking number on the courier's official site or app rather than using the link in the message.
What should I do with a suspicious delivery text?
Do not click the link. Verify any delivery directly with the retailer or courier, then report and delete the message.

Related scam categories

Text Message Scams

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Email Scams

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Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.