Who: The FTC collects reports of delivery and package impersonation.
When to use: Use when a fake delivery message asked for money or personal info.
What to prepare:
- Screenshot of message
- Sender number or email
Go to FTC ReportFraud~5 min
Category: Impersonation
Delivery & package impersonation scams
How it often plays out
A text says “FedEx: Delivery failed. Confirm address and pay $3.99 re-delivery fee—[link].” Mark clicks and enters his card. No package was ever coming; the message was a fake. Scammers use the names of USPS, FedEx, and DHL to get people to click links or pay “fees,” then steal card data or install malware.
How to spot it
Common red flags: pressure to act immediately, requests for payment by gift card or wire, offers that seem too good to be true, or unsolicited requests for your personal or financial details.
Do's and don'ts
Do
- Track packages only on the official carrier website.
- Save the message (screenshot) and report to the FTC.
- Report fake USPS messages to the Postal Inspection Service.
Don't
- Click links or pay "delivery fees" via text or email.
- Assume the message is from the real carrier.
- Enter card or personal info on a link from a text.
Summary & what to do
Scammers send fake texts or emails claiming to be USPS, FedEx, or DHL and ask you to pay a "fee" or click a link to "reschedule delivery." Report and do not pay or click.
What to do right now
- Do not click links or pay "delivery fees." Real carriers do not ask for payment via text link.
- Track packages only on the official carrier website.
- Save the message and report to the FTC.
Where to report
Who: USPS recommends reporting fake USPS messages to the Postal Inspection Service.
When to use: Use when the scammer claimed to be USPS.
What to prepare:
- Message
- Any link
USPS – Report fraud~5 min
Build your knowledge: Recommended reading — books & free websites on financial literacy and fraud awareness