FedEx scam texts: how to spot the fake delivery message
Quick answer
A text or email that says it's from FedEx and asks you to click, pay a fee or confirm details may be a scam. FedEx says it doesn't send unsolicited messages asking for payment or personal information. Don't click. Check your parcel on fedex.com.
- Pretends to be
- FedEx
- Last updated
How it works
Scammers send a message that looks like a FedEx tracking notice. The FTC describes one version that includes a fake tracking code and a link to 'update delivery preferences'. Others say there's a delivery problem or a fee to pay.
The link leads to a fake page. In the FTC's example, it was a fake Amazon page offering a customer survey and a 'prize', then asked for a credit card to pay shipping. Others harvest logins or install malware.
FedEx is the name being used, not the one behind the message. The company says it doesn't contact customers by unsolicited email, text or call to ask for payment or personal information. The exception it describes is an international package, where it may send a secure link to pay duties and taxes, which you can check in its import tool.
Red flags
- A text about a parcel you aren't expecting
- A vague 'delivery problem' with no shipment details
- A link that isn't on fedex.com, or a lookalike such as a misspelt address or a .shop domain
- A fee, 'holding charge' or request for card details
- A prize or survey after you click
- A message that pushes you to act within hours
Example message
FedEx: Your package is waiting and delivery failed. Update your delivery preferences within 24 hours: [link]
What to do
- 1
Don't click or reply
The FTC says not to click links in an unexpected text, and not to use the details in it.
- 2
Check the parcel yourself
Type fedex.com into your browser, or use the tracking number from your order confirmation.
- 3
Forward or delete it
FedEx asks you to forward suspicious email to abuse@fedex.com, or delete it.
- 4
If you clicked and entered card details
Call your card issuer using the number on the card, ask to block it and dispute any charges. Change passwords you typed in.
- 5
Report it
Report to the FTC. If you lost money, you can also report to the FBI's IC3. Our guide on what to do after a data breach covers the next steps.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers send these texts to numbers by the million, and some match them to a name or an address to make them seem real. Those details come from data brokers and breaches. Serus finds the data brokers and people-search sites that list your details where you live and removes you from them, and alerts you when your email or phone number shows up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you.
Frequently asked
Does FedEx text customers?
FedEx says it doesn't send unsolicited texts asking for payment or personal information. For international parcels it may send a secure link to pay duties, which you can verify in its import tool.
Is the FedEx text scam run by FedEx?
No. Scammers pretend to be FedEx. If you have a real parcel, check it on fedex.com.
What if I clicked the link?
Don't enter anything. If you did, contact your card issuer and change passwords.
Are similar texts sent for UPS and USPS?
Yes. The FTC says scammers also use UPS and the Postal Service.
Sources
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