That Text About Your "Undelivered Package" Is Almost Certainly a Scam

Your phone buzzes. It's a text from USPS: "We attempted to deliver your package today but were unable to gain access. Click here to schedule redelivery: usps-delivery-reschedule.com"

You're expecting something. You click the link. You enter your name, address, and a small "redelivery fee" of $1.99 on your credit card. And just like that, you've handed a scammer your payment information, your home address, and confirmation that you respond to messages like this.

This is smishing — SMS phishing — and it is currently one of the most widespread forms of consumer fraud in the United States. The FTC reports that Americans now receive scam phone calls or texts at least weekly, with 61% receiving scam texts and 68% receiving scam calls in a given week.

What These Scam Texts Look Like

Here is an example of a typical fake USPS delivery text, followed by what a real one looks like:

The hallmarks of a fake delivery text are easy to identify once you know what to look for. But in the moment, when you are expecting a package, the urgency of "24 hours" and the familiar USPS branding override careful reading.

Real vs. Fake: How to Tell the Difference

The Three Most Common Delivery Scam Variants in 2026

1. The Fake USPS / FedEx / UPS Redelivery Text

You receive a text or email claiming a delivery was unsuccessful and you need to click a link to reschedule. The link leads to a fake site that collects your personal information and payment details. This is currently the most common delivery scam and succeeds because so many people are genuinely expecting packages.

Real check: Open a new browser tab, go directly to the carrier's website (USPS.com, FedEx.com, UPS.com), and enter your tracking number there. Never use the link provided in the message.

2. The Fake Amazon "Confirm Your Purchase" Email

An email arrives that looks exactly like an Amazon order confirmation, complete with the Amazon logo, formatting, and a fake order number. It shows a large purchase — often $300–$900 — and includes a customer service phone number to call if you didn't place the order. The email address sending it is slightly off: amazon-support@amazon-billing.com instead of amazon.com.

When you call the number, you reach a scammer who offers to "cancel the order" but needs to "verify your account" — meaning your login credentials and payment details. Once they have those, they access your real Amazon account, change the password, and use your stored payment methods.

Real check: Log in to your Amazon account directly at Amazon.com and look for the order in your order history. If it doesn't exist there, the email was fake. Do not call any number provided in the email.

3. The "Your Shipment Requires Customs Clearance" Scam

A more targeted variant targets people who have made international purchases or are expecting packages from overseas. A text or email claims your package is being held in customs and a clearance fee must be paid before delivery can proceed. The fee is usually small ($8–$25) and the site collects your card details for a charge that is later dramatically increased, or used to make other purchases.

What Happens After You Click

Even if you close the tab without entering any information, clicking the link can cause harm. Malicious links can:

• Install tracking software or malware on your device silently
• Confirm to the scammer that your phone number is active and responsive, leading to more targeted scam attempts
• Direct you to a convincing fake site where your browser may auto-fill saved payment details before you realize what is happening

If you entered any information — name, address, email, phone, or payment details — treat it as a compromise. Monitor your accounts closely and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

Warning Signs in Every Delivery Scam

Three Rules That Will Protect You Every Time

1. Never click tracking links in texts or emails. Always go directly to the carrier's website and track your package by entering the number you received when you placed your original order.
2. Carriers don't charge redelivery fees via text. If a text is asking for money to release or reschedule a package, it is a scam — every single time, no exceptions.
3. Verify by going directly to the source. Amazon orders live at Amazon.com/orders. USPS tracking lives at USPS.com. UPS tracking lives at UPS.com. Any communication directing you elsewhere is misdirection.