Fake Delivery SMS Scams: How to Spot Courier Text Fraud
Fake delivery SMS messages are one of the most common scams today. A message claims to come from a courier or postal service and asks for a small payment to release a parcel. Here's how to know if it's a scam and how to react.
Why fake delivery SMS work so well
Many people order regularly online from Amazon, Shein, Temu, Vinted or AliExpress. When an SMS announces a blocked parcel, the reflex is to believe it's the real carrier. Fraudsters exploit this habit with an urgent message and a link that perfectly imitates official websites.
The amount requested is often laughably small ($1.99, $2.99, $14.50). It's just enough that you don't get suspicious. But once your card is entered, it's not just a few dollars that disappear: scammers can charge hundreds of dollars or resell your data.
Real examples of fake delivery SMS
Here are the most commonly received messages right now:
Example 1 — Courier
"Courier: your parcel is on hold. A fee of $2.99 is required for delivery. Pay here before 6pm: courier-fees.net"
Example 2 — Postal service
"Your address is incomplete. The parcel will be returned. Update your details: parcel-tracking.info"
Example 3 — DHL
"DHL Express: unpaid customs duties of $14.50. Pay online to release your parcel: dhl-customs-fees.com"
Example 4 — Generic carrier
"Your parcel is awaiting confirmation. Please pay the $0.99 shipping fee: link in the message."
Warning signs of a fake delivery SMS
If you notice any of these signs, the SMS is very likely a scam:
- The message asks you to pay fees through a link in the SMS or WhatsApp.
- The URL doesn't match the official website (e.g. courier-fees.net instead of the real domain).
- Artificial urgency: 'before 6pm', 'your parcel will be returned'.
- Very small amount ($1 to $5) to make you feel safe.
- No verifiable tracking number on the carrier's official website.
- The sender uses a mobile or foreign phone number.
- The message has typos or an unnatural wording.
- You're asked for your bank details or an ID document.
What to do if you receive a fake delivery SMS?
- 1Never click the link in the SMS.
- 2Check your tracking number directly on the carrier's official website.
- 3Contact customer service via the official number (not the one in the SMS).
- 4Block the number and report the SMS as spam on your phone.
- 5If you paid or entered data, notify your bank and monitor your accounts.
- 6Paste the message into our checker for an instant assessment.
Not sure about a delivery SMS?
Copy it into our free tool. You'll know in a few seconds if it's a scam.
Check a suspicious messageFrequently asked questions about fake delivery SMS
Do couriers send SMS messages asking for payment?
No. Couriers never ask you to pay delivery or customs fees through a link in an SMS. Any payment happens on the official website, after verifying your tracking number.
I clicked the link without entering anything, am I at risk?
Clicking alone doesn't steal your data, but the site may try to gather technical information. Leave the page, clear your recent browsing history and monitor your accounts.
How do I verify a tracking number?
Take the number shown in the SMS, open your browser and type the official address directly. Never go through the link in the message.
The SMS mentions my real name, is it necessarily a scam?
No, fraudsters can obtain your name and number from data leaks. A personalized message is not proof of legitimacy.
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