$12.5B
FTC-reported fraud losses in 2024
FTC says consumers reported losing $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024.
FedEx failed delivery voicemail scam
An automated voicemail claims FedEx attempted delivery and instructs you to press a number or call back a fake number, connecting you to a scammer who extracts personal and payment information.
“package delivery scam text”
↓ 31%Key indicators
Usually targetsSeniors
Often hitsCreators and online sellers
Common regionUnited States
Last updated2026-04-04
Estimated impact
$160
median reported loss
Typical range$16 – $1.6K
Recovery rate~20%
Annual reports160,000
Scam breakdown
1
Robocalls leave voicemails mimicking FedEx automated systems, claiming a failed delivery attempt.
2
Calling back connects the victim to a live scammer posing as a FedEx agent who requests personal or payment details.
3
Some variants use the callback to charge premium-rate phone numbers.
What to do first
Do not call back numbers from suspicious voicemails — use the official FedEx number 1-800-463-3339.
Related terms
FedEx robocall scamFedEx voicemail phishingfake FedEx phone callPackage delivery scamsFedExSurgingSeniorsAdultsHomeownersCreators and online sellersReal estate professionals and homebuyersRetirees and seniorsUnited StatesCanadaFedEx robocall scamFedEx voicemail phishing
Real-world example
How this scam plays out in practice
Based on reported patterns. Names and details are illustrative.
The setup
Kenji, 72, a seniors, encountered what appeared to be a legitimate package delivery scams situation while using FedEx. Robocalls leave voicemails mimicking FedEx automated systems, claiming a failed delivery attempt.
Step 2
What happened next was calculated: Calling back connects the victim to a live scammer posing as a FedEx agent who requests personal or payment details.
Step 3
The pressure escalated quickly: Some variants use the callback to charge premium-rate phone numbers.
The outcome
Kenji realized something was wrong when automated voicemail from an unknown number claiming to be fedex. By that point, significant damage had already been done — money sent, personal information shared, or trust exploited.
The lesson
Do not call back numbers from suspicious voicemails — use the official FedEx number 1-800-463-3339. Kenji's experience shows why automated voicemail from an unknown number claiming to be fedex and requests you to press a key or call back a non-fedex number are the clearest early warning signs.
How to identify it
- Automated voicemail from an unknown number claiming to be FedEx
- Requests you to press a key or call back a non-FedEx number
- Asks for payment or personal information over the phone
- Pause before paying, clicking, or sharing information. Scammers rely on speed.
- Verify the sender, company, or agency using a phone number or website you already know is legitimate.
- Treat secrecy, urgency, and off-platform payment requests as strong scam signals.
What to do now
- ✓Do not call back numbers from suspicious voicemails — use the official FedEx number 1-800-463-3339.
- ✓FedEx does not request payment or personal information through automated voicemails.
- ✓Report the call to the FTC's Do Not Call list and to FedEx.
What to save before reporting
- ✓Save the message, profile, phone number, email, or URL that was used.
- ✓Keep payment confirmations, receipts, and account alerts before you dispute or delete anything.
- ✓Write down the timeline while the details are still fresh.
How big is this problem
You are not alone — this scam affects millions of people.
These numbers come from government agencies and official reports. If you have been affected, know that this is a widespread problem — not something that only happens to careless people.
FTC 2024 fraud losses
Imposters
Most common FTC fraud category in 2024
FTC says imposter scams remained the most commonly reported fraud category in 2024.
History and evolution
- This scam family tends to persist because the social-engineering pressure works even when the exact scripts, platforms, and payment methods change.
- The specific packaging evolves over time, but the core pattern usually stays the same: create urgency, control the channel, and push action before verification.
- The FTC receives thousands of complaints annually about robocall scams impersonating shipping companies, with FedEx being one of the most commonly spoofed brands.
Recovery and follow-up
- ✓Save the messages, receipts, account alerts, and transaction details before you block or delete anything.
- ✓Report the scam through the official platform or government channel that best matches where it happened.
- ✓Do not call back numbers from suspicious voicemails — use the official FedEx number 1-800-463-3339.
- ✓FedEx does not request payment or personal information through automated voicemails.
- ✓Report the call to the FTC's Do Not Call list and to FedEx.
Why this pattern keeps working
Even when the story changes, most scams still use the same pressure pattern: urgency, authority, and a request to move money or data fast.
The FTC receives thousands of complaints annually about robocall scams impersonating shipping companies, with FedEx being one of the most commonly spoofed brands.
FTC Consumer Sentinel 2025
Where to report it
If you have been targeted by this scam, reporting it helps authorities track the pattern and protect others. United States has dedicated agencies that handle fraud reports.
ReportFraud.gov
Federal Trade Commission
Central U.S. consumer fraud reporting portal.
File an IC3 complaint
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
FBI portal for internet-enabled crime reports.
Start identity theft recovery
IdentityTheft.gov
Official U.S. identity theft recovery plan builder.
Explore further
Understand the bigger picture
Who is most at risk
Who this scam targets
Primary targets
Seniors, Adults, Homeowners
Geographic concentration
United States, Canada
Primary channel
FedEx — Package delivery scams
Why this group is vulnerable
Seniors are particularly vulnerable because this scam exploits trust in familiar brands, authority figures, and time-sensitive decisions. The rapid increase in reports suggests that awareness among this demographic remains low.
Sources and methodology
How we verify this information
OpenScam tracks scam patterns using a combination of government consumer protection databases (FTC, IC3, Action Fraud), platform-specific fraud reports, and verified consumer complaint data. Each entry is cross-referenced against at least two independent sources before publication.
Severity ratings are based on financial impact potential, reversibility of damage, and volume of reports across multiple reporting channels. Trend velocity reflects the rate of change in report volume over the most recent 90-day window.
This page was last verified on 2026-04-04. Red flags, recovery steps, and reporting resources are reviewed quarterly against current agency guidance.
Evidence and indicators
- The FTC receives thousands of complaints annually about robocall scams impersonating shipping companies, with FedEx being one of the most commonly spoofed brands.
Source notes
- FTC Consumer Sentinel 2025
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about fedex failed delivery voicemail scam
How does the fedex failed delivery voicemail scam work?+
Robocalls leave voicemails mimicking FedEx automated systems, claiming a failed delivery attempt. Calling back connects the victim to a live scammer posing as a FedEx agent who requests personal or payment details. Some variants use the callback to charge premium-rate phone numbers.
What are the warning signs of fedex failed delivery voicemail scam?+
Automated voicemail from an unknown number claiming to be FedEx Requests you to press a key or call back a non-FedEx number Asks for payment or personal information over the phone
What should I do if I encounter fedex failed delivery voicemail scam?+
Do not call back numbers from suspicious voicemails — use the official FedEx number 1-800-463-3339. FedEx does not request payment or personal information through automated voicemails. Report the call to the FTC's Do Not Call list and to FedEx.
Who is most at risk for fedex failed delivery voicemail scam?+
This scam primarily targets Seniors, Adults, Homeowners. It is most commonly reported in United States, Canada and typically appears on FedEx.
Is fedex failed delivery voicemail scam getting worse?+
FedEx failed delivery voicemail scam is currently surging — reports are increasing rapidly. It has been reported across US, CA. Last updated 2026-04-04.
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Help someone avoid this scam.
Scammers succeed because people do not talk about it. If you or someone you know has been affected, there is no shame in it — it happens to millions of people every year. Share this page with friends and family so they know what to look for.