High riskDelivery & Postal Scams

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.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Delivery impersonation scam
Main red flag
A missed-delivery text with a link from a number or address that is not the courier's official channel.
What to do first
Do not click. Track the parcel through the courier's official website or app.

What this scam usually looks like

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.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Your package is held at our depot. Please confirm your delivery preferences: [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 alert from a courier you did not order from
  • A link that does not match the courier's official website
  • A request to pay a fee or confirm card details to release the parcel
  • Generic wording that never names the retailer or item
  • Pressure to act before the parcel is 'returned to sender'

What to do

  • Do not click the link or pay any fee
  • Find the retailer's order confirmation and use its official tracking
  • Verify with the courier through its official website or app
  • Report and delete the message

If you already clicked or replied

  • Stop and do not submit any details on the page
  • Contact your bank if you entered card information
  • Change any password you may have entered
  • Monitor your accounts for unusual activity

What not to do

  • Do not reply to confirm your number is active
  • Do not share one-time codes
  • Do not install apps the message asks you to download

Similar scams

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 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.
Medium risk Email

Fake Amazon Order Email

This scam emails a fake order confirmation for an expensive item, hoping you click a link or call a number to dispute a charge you never made.

Frequently asked questions

How do scammers know I am expecting a delivery?
In most cases they do not. These texts are sent in bulk, and with so many people shopping online, some recipients happen to be waiting for a parcel.
Are all courier texts fake?
No. Couriers do send genuine updates. The warning signs are unexpected fees, mismatched links, and requests for personal or card details.
How can I tell the real courier site from a fake one?
Type the courier's address yourself or use its official app instead of tapping the link. Check the web address carefully for misspellings and extra words.
What should I do if I shared my address only?
An address alone is low risk, but stay alert for follow-up scam messages and never share codes, passwords, or card details in response.

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.