Fake Delivery Texts on Viber
How parcel-delivery phishing messages distributed through Viber steal payment card details and personal information from online shoppers.
Part of: Fake Delivery Texts
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Viber is used as an alternative to standard SMS in many markets, meaning that delivery notifications which would previously arrive by text message now appear in Viber. This channel shift has created an opportunity for fraudsters to send fake delivery alerts that blend with genuine courier messages in the same application, making them harder to identify as fraudulent.
The fraud is most effective during peak shopping seasons when victims are genuinely expecting multiple deliveries and are less likely to scrutinise each notification individually.
How this scam works on Viber
A Viber message from an unknown number or an account displaying a courier logo states that a delivery attempt has failed or that customs clearance requires a small fee. A link directs the recipient to a mobile-optimised payment page that closely replicates the real courier's branding.
The payment page requests card details for a nominal charge — often under the equivalent of a few dollars. The stated goal is merely to confirm card validity or capture details for broader financial fraud. In some variants, the page also requests the cardholder's full name and address, enriching the stolen data profile.
Because many victims are genuinely awaiting deliveries, the message is perceived as credible and the small fee unremarkable — both factors that increase conversion rates for the fraud.
Common red flags
- Viber message from an unknown number using courier branding
- Request to pay a small customs or redelivery fee via a link in the message
- Link URL does not exactly match the courier's official domain
- No genuine tracking reference that can be verified on the courier's real website
- Payment page requests more information than the stated purpose would require
- Message arrives when you have not recently placed an order or are not expecting a delivery
How to protect yourself
- Track all parcels through the tracking reference and link provided in the original order confirmation, not through unsolicited messages
- Verify a delivery notification by searching for the tracking number on the courier's official website rather than clicking a Viber link
- Legitimate couriers charge customs fees through their own authenticated app or website — not via unsolicited messaging links
- Report suspicious Viber delivery messages and block the number promptly
- Contact your bank immediately if you entered payment card details on a suspect payment page
How to report it
- Report the Viber number using the in-app block and report function, selecting 'Spam or fraud'
- Report the fraudulent site to your browser's safe-browsing feedback mechanism
- Notify your bank or card issuer if payment details were submitted, requesting card cancellation if necessary
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell whether a delivery Viber message is genuine?
Check your original order confirmation for the courier name and tracking reference, then type the courier's URL directly to verify status. A real courier will never ask for payment through a link in an unsolicited message.