In an era where online shopping has become as routine as picking up the phone, the convenience of home deliveries has been marred by a growing threat: delivery scams.

These aren't just any scams; they're sophisticated schemes that impersonate the very services we trust—UPS, FedEx, Amazon, and USPS.


Imagine this: You receive a text message, email, or call about a package—sometimes one you're expecting, other times a complete surprise.

The message might say your package is delayed, undeliverable, or needs a redelivery fee. It seems legitimate, complete with a tracking number and official-looking links.

But here's the catch: it's a scam, and it's on the rise.


The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued warnings about these scams, which have surged as online shopping became the norm during the COVID-19 pandemic

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) echoes this concern, highlighting “fake package delivery problems” as one of the top-reported text message scams of 2022.

These fraudulent messages aim to steal your credit card details and sometimes even more sensitive information, like your Social Security number.

The cost to American consumers? A staggering $330 million in losses.


Each major carrier has encountered impostors using their brand to deceive customers. They've responded by offering advice on how to avoid falling victim to these scams. Let's break down their tips:

FedEx's Defense Against Deception​

FedEx is clear: they never ask for personal information or account credentials via unsolicited communications. Here's how to stay safe:

• Ignore and do not engage with suspicious emails or texts.
• Look out for misspellings in the website or email addresses and poor grammar.
• Keep the FedEx Mobile App updated and report fraud to [email protected] or

1-800-GoFedEx.

UPS's Strategy for Security​

UPS provides guidance on recognizing genuine communications:

• Official phone calls will come from 1-833-242-1931.
• Legitimate texts will come from 94601, 69877, 48515, or 52892.
• Authentic emails will come from specific UPS email addresses listed on their website.
• Report any fraudulent activity to [email protected].

USPS's Tips for Trust​

The USPS urges customers to be vigilant:

• Never click on links in suspicious emails or texts.
• Forward the text message to [email protected], including your name, a screenshot, and the date sent.
• Use USPS Text Tracking by texting your tracking number to 2USPS (28777).

Amazon's Advice for Awareness​

Amazon encourages shoppers to know their order history and recognize legitimate messages:

• Look for “Attachments(s) protected by Amazon” in emails.
• Verify that Amazon websites have a dot before 'amazon.com' and avoid links to IP addresses.
• Be cautious of messages asking for payment information unrelated to an Amazon order or service.
• Report “brushing” scams, where you receive unsolicited packages, as this indicates a seller has your personal information.

While these tips are specific to package delivery scams, they're part of a larger conversation about digital safety. As we embrace the convenience of technology, we must also arm ourselves against its risks.

Here are some additional steps to safeguard your online presence:

• Use strong, unique passwords for each online account.
• Enable two-factor authentication where available.
• Regularly monitor your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
• Educate yourself on the latest scams and share this knowledge with friends and family.

If you encounter a scam, it's important to report it:

• Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) to help your wireless provider block future messages.
• File a complaint with the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
• If you've lost money or personal information, contact local law enforcement and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov/complaint.

Your experiences and vigilance can make a difference. By reporting scams, you're not only protecting yourself but also helping to shield the entire community from these digital threats.
Have you encountered a package delivery scam? Do you have additional tips for staying safe online? Share your stories and advice in the comments below. Let's unite in our efforts to stay informed and secure in the digital world.