Fake Delivery Texts in Latvia
Smishing texts impersonating Latvijas Pasts and couriers tell Latvian recipients a parcel is held pending a fee, capturing card details and hidden charges.
Part of: Fake Delivery Texts
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Fake delivery texts are a frequent nuisance on Latvian phones, exploiting heavy online shopping and the recognisable names of Latvijas Pasts and international couriers. A short message claims a parcel cannot be delivered until a small customs charge, redelivery fee, or address confirmation is paid.
The fee is small to seem harmless, but the real target is the victim's card details, later abused for larger or recurring charges. The texts intensify during peak shopping seasons when parcel volumes are high.
How this scam works on Latvia
The recipient receives an SMS claiming to be from Latvijas Pasts, DPD, Omniva, or another courier, saying a delivery is on hold until a fee is paid or the address confirmed via a link. The link opens a page styled with the courier's branding and Latvian-language text requesting card details.
When the victim enters their card information, the criminals charge the card or enrol it in a recurring deduction. Some pages also push for a bank login under the pretext of identity verification.
In Latvia the messages frequently mimic genuine Latvijas Pasts tracking formats and use sender IDs resembling official shortcodes, making them convincing at a glance.
Common red flags
- A text about a parcel you are not expecting or did not order
- A small 'customs' or 'redelivery' fee demanded via a link
- A payment page requesting full card details for a tiny charge
- Sender ID or link that does not match official Latvijas Pasts or courier domains
- Urgent wording warning the parcel will be returned if you do not pay today
- A request for bank login under the guise of identity verification
- Subtle spelling or formatting differences from genuine courier messages
How to protect yourself
- Track parcels only through the official Latvijas Pasts or courier app, not text links
- Know that real customs charges are handled through official processes, not random SMS links
- Never enter card details on a page opened from an unsolicited delivery text
- Check delivery status using the tracking code from your order confirmation
- Use virtual or single-use card numbers online where your bank offers them
- Report and delete suspicious texts rather than tapping the link
How to report it
- Report smishing texts to your mobile operator and to the Latvian State Police via 110
- Contact your bank immediately if you entered card details, to block the card and dispute charges
- Forward examples to Latvijas Pasts's fraud-awareness channel
Frequently asked questions
Does Latvijas Pasts send links asking me to pay a fee by card?
Genuine customs or handling charges are managed through official Latvijas Pasts channels, not unexpected SMS links demanding card details. If you receive such a text, do not tap it — check any real parcel through the official app or website using your order's tracking code.