Fake Parcel Delivery Scams Targeting Chinese Mobile Users
Chinese mobile users receive fraudulent SMS and WeChat messages impersonating SF Express, JD Logistics, Cainiao, and other carriers, directing them to phishing pages that harvest Alipay, WeChat Pay, and bank credentials.
Part of: Fake Delivery Texts
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
China's world-leading e-commerce volume — driven by Taobao, JD.com, Pinduoduo, and live-commerce platforms — means delivery notifications are among the most trusted SMS categories for Chinese consumers. Fraudsters exploit this trust by cloning carrier notifications and directing recipients to phishing portals designed to capture Alipay and WeChat Pay credentials.
The Ministry of Public Security and the National Anti-Fraud Center (NAFC) operate the 12321 reporting hotline and the Quanminjianfang (National Fraud Prevention) app specifically to combat telecoms fraud, of which delivery scams are a major component.
How this scam works on China
A victim receives an SMS purportedly from SF Express or Cainiao claiming a package could not be delivered and providing a link to reschedule. The link leads to a convincing Alipay or JD.com payment portal clone. Entering payment credentials enables the scammer to drain the linked account.
WeChat mini-program scam variants create fake 'logistics tracking' mini programs that replicate legitimate carrier programs. Users who open these and attempt to pay a customs or redelivery fee hand their WeChat Pay credentials to the operator.
Live-commerce delivery scams target post-purchase consumers: after completing a live-stream purchase, victims receive a WeChat message claiming an item is held in customs and must be cleared via a payment link outside the platform.
Common red flags
- SMS from a courier containing a link requiring payment for a redelivery or customs fee
- WeChat message claiming a live-commerce purchase is delayed and requires off-platform payment
- Delivery tracking mini-program that asks for Alipay or WeChat Pay login
- SMS appearing to come from a legitimate carrier but arriving from an unusual number format
- Link leading to a domain that closely resembles but does not exactly match the carrier's official site
How to protect yourself
- Track deliveries only through the official carrier app or by entering the tracking number on the official website
- Never click links in SMS messages claiming to be from a courier — navigate directly to the carrier app
- Report suspicious SMS to 12321 (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology)
- Enable Alipay and WeChat Pay payment notifications and set transaction limits
- Download the Quanminjianfang (National Fraud Prevention) app for real-time scam number alerts
How to report it
- Report to the National Fraud Reporting Centre at 96110
- Report to 12321 for telecoms fraud
- Contact Alipay or WeChat Pay customer service immediately if credentials were compromised
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell a real SF Express or Cainiao notification from a phishing text?
Track your parcel directly through the courier's official app or WeChat mini-program using your order's tracking number, rather than tapping a link in an unsolicited SMS. Legitimate couriers don't ask you to pay a "customs fee" or "redelivery fee" via a random link to release a parcel.
What should I do if I entered Alipay or WeChat Pay details on a fake delivery page?
Open Alipay or WeChat Pay immediately and change your payment password, and review recent transactions for anything unauthorized. Contact Alipay/WeChat Pay support through the official app to report the compromise and consider freezing the account temporarily.
Can Alipay or WeChat Pay refund a payment made through a fake delivery scam?
Report the fraudulent transaction through the app's official reporting channel as soon as possible, since prompt reporting improves the chance of a freeze. Whether a refund is possible may depend on the payment method and timing — the platform's support team can confirm what applies.
What is the Quanminjianfang app and how does it help in China?
Quanminjianfang (Full-People Anti-Fraud) is an official app developed by the Ministry of Public Security that provides real-time alerts when you receive calls or messages from numbers associated with known fraud. It is available for Android and iOS in mainland China and is recommended by police agencies for consumer protection against telecoms fraud.