How it works 

You receive a text or email that appears to come from a well-known shipper, such as the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, etc. The message says that your package was unable to be delivered to you and provides a link that will supposedly allow you to track your package or confirm your delivery preferences. If you click on the link, you may be told you need to pay money for taxes or a customs fee before your package can be delivered. You will then be prompted to enter payment information and/or your Social Security number. In reality, there is no package, and now you have paid money or provided sensitive information to a scammer or an identity thief. What’s more, the link you were directed to could install malware onto your electronic device.

What You Should Know

  • Do not click on links in unsolicited text messages or emails.
  • Never give personal or financial information to someone who contacts you out of the blue. You never know if someone really is who they say they are.
  • If you think the message pertains to an item that you have ordered, contact the retailer to track the package. You can also go to the legitimate website of the delivery carrier and enter a tracking number that you have verified (don’t assume the one in the message you received is legitimate).
  • A request for payment information or a Social Security number is a red flag of a scam.