Fake Package Delivery Texts: How to Tell and What to Do
Delivery scam texts are everywhere, especially around the holidays. They claim a package could not be delivered and ask you to tap a link and pay a small fee or confirm your details. The details they collect are the real goal.
Step by step
- Ask yourself if you are expecting something. If not, it is almost certainly fake. If you are, go to the retailer's own app or site.
- Do not tap the link. Even tapping can lead to a fake page. Go to the real tracking page using the number in your order email.
- Look at the number or address. Texts from long random numbers or odd email addresses are suspicious.
- Ignore small fees. A small redelivery fee is a way to steal your card details.
- Report and delete. Forward to 7726 and delete the message.
A prompt you can copy
Type this into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini
I got this text about a package. I did order something recently from a store, but not sure which. Help me check safely without clicking anything. [paste text]
Good to know. If you tapped and entered card details, call your card issuer to freeze or replace the card.
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Reserve a free seatCommon questions
How do I track a real package?
Use the retailer's app or the tracking number in your confirmation email on the carrier's official site.
Why do I get so many?
Scammers send huge batches of texts hoping a few match someone expecting a delivery.