UPS redelivery scam texts and emails: how to spot the fake delivery notice
Quick answer
A text or email that says UPS couldn't deliver and asks you to pay a fee or confirm personal details is a scam. UPS says it doesn't ask for payment or personal information that way. Don't tap the link: track the package at ups.com.
- Comes by
- Text, Email, Phone call
- Pretends to be
- UPS
- Last updated
How it works
Scammers pretend to be UPS. UPS's fraud page says fake messages often claim a package is waiting to be delivered, then ask for personal information, a payment in advance, or an account update.
The link in the text or email may lead to a fake website or contain malware. UPS lists the usual giveaways: spoofed or misspelled web addresses, alarming deadlines, unexpected requests for money or card details, and generic greetings.
UPS says only a few packages need money at delivery: collect on delivery, duties or taxes. Tracking your package is the safest way to see whether any fee is actually due. Scammers also use a believable fee, often small, to get your card number.
Red flags
- A delivery notice for a package you aren't expecting
- A fee or "redelivery charge" requested by link
- A web address that is almost, but not quite, ups.com
- An urgent deadline, such as the package being returned today
- A request for your account login, card number or an invoice copy
- A generic greeting and typos
Example message
UPS: Your parcel wasn't delivered because the address was incomplete. Confirm your details and pay the redelivery fee within 24 hours at [link] or it will be returned.
What to do
- 1
Don't tap the link or reply
Delete and block the sender so you don't interact with it later. If you're unsure about a text, don't open any links or attachments.
- 2
Check the package yourself
Type ups.com into your browser and track with the tracking number. UPS says a real UPS representative can always give you a tracking number you can verify on its website.
- 3
If you paid on the fake site, call your bank
Use the number on your card. Report the charge as fraud and ask for a replacement card.
- 4
If you entered a password or personal details
Change the password, and the same password anywhere else. Turn on two-step verification where you can.
- 5
Report it
Report the message to the FTC. UPS's fraud page also covers how to handle suspicious communications.
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
These messages go out to long lists of phone numbers and emails, and they land best when a package really is on its way. Numbers and emails reach scammers through people-search sites, data brokers and breaches. Serus finds the people-search sites and data brokers that list your phone number and email and requests removal, and it alerts you when your details show up in a breach.
More UPS scams
Frequently asked
Will UPS text me for a payment?
UPS says it does not request payments, personal or financial information, passwords or invoice copies in an unsolicited way by email, mail, phone or fax. Only a few packages need money at delivery: collect on delivery, duties or taxes.
How can I tell if a UPS message is real?
Look the package up yourself on ups.com with the tracking number. UPS says its representatives can always give you a tracking number you can check there.
What if I'm expecting a package?
That's what makes these work. Don't use the link in the message. Track the package on the official site.
I clicked the link but entered nothing. Am I safe?
UPS says links in fraudulent texts may contain malware or lead to fake sites. Close the page, update your phone's software and scan for anything unfamiliar. If you did enter anything, change the passwords involved.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
