High riskDelivery & Postal Scams

China Post Text Scam

This scam sends a fake China Post text about a missed delivery, customs charge, or small fee, linking to a page that collects your card and personal details.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Delivery impersonation (smishing)
Main red flag
An unexpected China Post text asking you to pay a fee or confirm details via a link.
What to do first
Do not click. Check any delivery through the official China Post website or app.

What this scam usually looks like

This scam sends a fake China Post text about a missed delivery, customs charge, or small fee, linking to a page that collects your card and personal details.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'China Post: your parcel is held pending a customs fee. Pay here to arrange delivery: [suspicious link]'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • A delivery text when you may not be expecting a parcel
  • A small customs or redelivery fee request
  • A link that is not the official China Post domain
  • Urgent wording about the parcel being returned
  • A request for card or personal details

What to do

  • Check tracking on the official China Post website or app
  • Report the scam text through official channels
  • Verify any genuine charge through official channels
  • Delete the message and block the sender

If you already clicked or replied

  • Do not enter card or personal details on the page
  • If you paid, contact your bank to flag or freeze the card
  • Change passwords for any reused login
  • Watch your statements for unexpected charges

What not to do

  • Do not click the link or enter details
  • Do not reply to the message
  • Do not download any app the link suggests

Similar scams

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SF Express Text Scam

This scam sends a fake SF Express text about a missed delivery, address problem, or small fee, linking to a page that harvests your card and personal information.
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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.
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India Post Text Scam

This scam sends a fake India Post text about a missed delivery, incomplete address, or small fee, linking to a page that collects your card and personal details.

Frequently asked questions

Does China Post charge fees by text link?
Genuine charges are confirmed through the official China Post website, and redelivery is normally free. A fee demanded via a text link is a common scam pattern.
I am expecting a parcel, so is it real?
Scammers count on this. Check the tracking on the official site or app rather than using the link in the text.
How do I report a China Post scam text?
Report it through China Post's official channels, forward it to your mobile provider's spam service if available, and delete it.
What if I already paid the fee?
Contact your bank right away to flag the payment and protect your card, and watch for further charges.

Last reviewed: June 2026

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.