High riskDelivery & Postal Scams

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.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Delivery impersonation scam
Main red flag
An unexpected UPS text saying delivery failed and asking you to pay or confirm details through a link.
What to do first
Do not tap the link. Verify any delivery using the official UPS website or app with your own tracking number.

What this scam usually looks like

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.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'UPS: Your package delivery failed due to an unpaid surcharge of $2.99. Reschedule now to avoid return: [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 failed' text for a parcel you did not order or cannot identify
  • A demand for a small surcharge, customs charge, or handling fee
  • A link that does not lead to the official ups.com domain
  • Wording that warns the parcel will be returned or destroyed unless you act fast
  • A request for card or login details to reschedule the delivery

What to do

  • Do not tap the link or enter any information
  • Check your tracking number directly on the official UPS website or app
  • Report the message to UPS through its official fraud page and to your mobile provider
  • Delete the message and block the sender

If you already clicked or replied

  • Do not enter any more details on the page
  • If you provided card details, contact your bank to flag or freeze the card
  • Change the password for any account where you reused that login
  • Monitor your bank and card statements for unexpected charges

What not to do

  • Do not reply to the text or ring a number it provides
  • Do not share verification or one-time codes
  • Do not download any tracking app the link offers

Similar scams

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

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.

Frequently asked questions

Does UPS charge delivery fees by text?
Most genuine charges are arranged when you place an order or through the official UPS site, not demanded by a surprise text. A small fee requested through a text link is a common scam pattern.
The text has a tracking number, so is it genuine?
Scammers often add a random or fake tracking number to look convincing. Always check the number on the official UPS site rather than trusting the link.
What if I already entered my card details?
Contact your bank immediately to report it and protect your card. The sooner you act, the better the chance the charge can be blocked or disputed.
How do I report a UPS text scam?
You can report it to UPS through its official fraud reporting page, to your mobile provider, and to your national anti-fraud centre.

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.