How do I spot a fake delivery SMS?
Fake parcel texts claim a delivery failed and ask you to pay a small fee or update your address via a link — real carriers do not charge re-delivery fees by text.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Parcel delivery scams, sometimes called smishing, exploded as online shopping grew. Fraudsters send a text pretending to be Royal Mail, UPS, FedEx, DHL, or another carrier. The message says your parcel could not be delivered and you must pay a small holding fee or confirm your address to release it. The fee is low on purpose — the real goal is your card details.
The link leads to a convincing copy of the carrier's website. Once you enter your card number for the 'fee', criminals either charge larger amounts immediately or sell the details. Some variants also install malware if you tap the link on an Android device.
Real carriers send tracking links from their own domain (royalmail.com, ups.com, fedex.com). They do not add unexpected fees after dispatch, and they do not demand payment to release a parcel held in customs via a text link — that process uses official letters or portal logins.
If you are expecting a parcel, go directly to the carrier's website by typing the address yourself or using a bookmark, and enter your tracking number there. Never follow a link from an unsolicited text.
Common red flags
- Fee required to release or redeliver the parcel
- Link domain is not the carrier's exact official domain
- No tracking number mentioned, or tracking number does not match any real shipment
- Message comes from a mobile number rather than a carrier short-code
- Urgency: 'parcel will be returned in 24 hours'
- Website asks for full card details including CVV to pay a tiny amount
What to do now
- Do not tap the link or pay the fee
- Visit the carrier's official website directly in your browser
- Check your emails for a genuine dispatch confirmation with a tracking number
- Forward the text to 7726 in the UK or report it to the FTC in the US
- If you paid the fee, contact your bank immediately to dispute the charge
- Check your bank statement for follow-on fraudulent charges
Frequently asked questions
What if the text mentions a real retailer I ordered from?
Fraudsters can buy data showing recent shoppers and personalise the text. Still verify through the carrier's official site.
Can I get a refund if I paid the fake fee by card?
In many cases yes — report it to your bank as an unauthorised or fraudulent transaction. Act quickly, within 24 hours if possible.
Are these texts illegal?
Yes, sending fraudulent texts is a criminal offence. Reporting to Action Fraud (UK) or the FTC (US) helps authorities track patterns.