Is a text about a failed delivery attempt a scam?
It may be. Smishing texts imitating couriers like UPS, FedEx, DHL, or Royal Mail are extremely common and often lead to credential or card-detail theft.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Parcel-delivery smishing texts typically claim that a delivery failed and ask you to click a link to reschedule or pay a small redelivery fee. The link leads to a convincing fake site that harvests your name, address, card number, or account login. Because so many people are genuinely waiting for deliveries, these texts have a high success rate. Legitimate couriers do send delivery notifications, but they will never ask for card payment via an SMS link for a redelivery fee that wasn't agreed at purchase. If you are expecting a parcel, track it directly through the carrier's official website or app by typing the address manually.
Common red flags
- Text from an unknown number about a missed delivery
- Link in the text that doesn't match the official carrier domain
- Request for a small fee — often under £2 or $2 — by card
- Vague sender name such as 'Parcel', 'Post', or 'Delivery'
- No specific parcel reference number or it matches nothing you ordered
What to do now
- Do not click the link
- Go directly to the courier's official website or app to track any real parcel
- Report the text to your national spam-reporting service (e.g., 7726 in the UK or US)
- Delete the message
Frequently asked questions
What if I already clicked the link?
Change passwords for any accounts you logged into via the link, contact your bank if you entered card details, and run a security scan on your device.