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Shipping and delivery scams

Shipping scams exploit the gap between sending a package and receiving it. Fake tracking notifications, missed delivery texts, and fraudulent customs fees all use the same playbook: create urgency around a package to extract payment or login credentials.

98 scams in this platform viewAll platforms

Common searches

usps scam textups scamfedex delivery scamfake tracking number scamshipping fee scampackage delivery scam

Watch for

  • A delivery notification arrives by text with a link to pay a small fee.
  • The tracking number or carrier domain does not match when checked directly.
  • You are asked to pay customs, redelivery, or address correction fees through a link.
  • The message creates urgency about a package being returned or held.
Employment fraud
↑ 100%

Reshipping assistant work-from-home scam

A new hire is told to receive packages at home and forward them using labels provided by the employer.

What to do first

Do not handle goods or forward packages for an employer you cannot verify.

Targets

Job seekers

Seen in

Global

Smishing
↑ 100%

Package redelivery text scam

A delivery text says a parcel cannot be delivered until you confirm address details and pay a small redelivery fee.

What to do first

Open the courier site manually and check tracking there.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

Global

Marketplace fraud
↑ 100%

Fake shipping insurance buyer scam

A buyer says a courier requires insurance or verification fees before pickup and asks the seller to pay first.

What to do first

Decline third-party shipping payments arranged entirely by the buyer.

Targets

Casual sellers

Seen in

Global

Romance scams
↑ 41%

Romance customs package scam

A romantic contact says they sent a valuable package, but customs, courier, or anti-terror fees must be paid before delivery.

What to do first

Do not pay package release fees for gifts from online-only partners.

Targets

Online daters

Seen in

Global

Government impersonation
↑ 100%

Customs seized package scam

A message claims a package was seized by customs and needs payment, identity verification, or legal response to avoid charges.

What to do first

Verify any customs issue through the courier or customs agency directly.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

Global

Marketplace fraud
↑ 23%

Puppy rehoming deposit scam

A buyer sees a believable pet listing and is asked to send a deposit for transport, paperwork, or holding the animal before any verified handoff exists.

What to do first

Never pay for a pet you cannot verify in person or through a legitimate adoption organization.

Targets

Families

Seen in

Global

Marketplace fraud
↑ 100%

Fake shipping protection escrow scam

A marketplace deal moves to a fake escrow or shipping-protection service that asks the buyer to release funds before delivery is verified.

What to do first

Use only the platform's native checkout or a payment method with real buyer protection.

Targets

Buyers

Seen in

Global

Recovery fraud
↑ 41%

Romance loss recovery lawyer scam

A victim of a romance scam is approached by a supposed lawyer or investigator who says the case can be reopened for a fee and document package.

What to do first

Treat unsolicited legal recovery outreach as suspicious and verify the firm through public registries.

Targets

Romance scam victims

Seen in

Global

Online shopping scams
↑ 166%

fake online store non-delivery scam

Fraudulent websites mimic legitimate retailers, collect payment for products, and never ship anything. Victims discover the store vanishes within weeks.

What to do first

Dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company immediately

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

Global

Online shopping scams
↑ 166%

dropshipping extreme markup scam

Stores resell cheap items from wholesale marketplaces at extreme markups, often 5-10x the original price, while advertising them as exclusive or premium products.

What to do first

Use reverse image search on product photos before purchasing from unfamiliar stores

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Online shopping scams
↑ 166%

TikTok shop too-good-to-be-true pricing scam

Products advertised on TikTok at unbelievably low prices turn out to be scams, with sellers collecting payment and shipping nothing or sending worthless items.

What to do first

Research the seller and product independently before purchasing from social media ads

Targets

Young adults

Seen in

U.S.

Online shopping scams
↑ 166%

Facebook Marketplace non-delivery scam

Sellers on Facebook Marketplace list popular items at attractive prices, collect payment through non-reversible methods, and never ship the goods.

What to do first

Use Facebook's built-in checkout and shipping protection for all Marketplace transactions

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Tech support scams
↑ 100%

fake virus popup alert scam

Alarming browser popups claim your computer is infected and urge you to call a fake tech support number, leading to remote access exploitation and payment demands.

What to do first

Force-close the browser using Task Manager or Activity Monitor without calling any number

Targets

Older adults

Seen in

U.S.

Tech support scams
↑ 64%

Microsoft impersonator tech support scam

Scammers impersonate Microsoft support via calls, emails, or popups, claiming your Windows license or account is compromised and demanding payment or remote access.

What to do first

Microsoft never makes unsolicited tech support calls or sends unsolicited security warnings with phone numbers

Targets

Windows users

Seen in

U.S.

Lottery and prize scams
↑ 24%

social media fake giveaway scam

Fake social media accounts impersonate brands or influencers and run fraudulent giveaways that require victims to share personal data, pay shipping fees, or click phishing links.

What to do first

Verify giveaways through the brand's official verified account, not through direct messages from unknown accounts

Targets

Social media users

Seen in

Global

Lottery and prize scams
↑ 24%

car winner notification scam

Victims receive a call, email, or letter claiming they won a new car but must pay taxes, registration fees, or delivery charges before receiving it.

What to do first

Legitimate car giveaways handle tax obligations as part of the prize and never require upfront payment

Targets

Older adults

Seen in

U.S.

Subscription scams
↑ 37%

cloud storage upsell scam

A pop-up or email warns that cloud storage is full and directs the user to a fake upgrade page that charges for storage never delivered.

What to do first

Check storage usage directly in your device settings β€” not through email links.

Targets

App users

Seen in

U.S.

Insurance scams
↑ 25%

disaster insurance upsell scam

After a natural disaster, scammers approach homeowners with high-pressure sales for overpriced or unnecessary supplemental insurance coverage.

What to do first

Contact your existing insurer before purchasing any supplemental disaster coverage.

Targets

Homeowners

Seen in

U.S.

Pet scams
↑ 23%

puppy deposit scam

A seller advertises puppies online, collects a deposit, then either never delivers the puppy or demands additional fees for shipping, insurance, and crates.

What to do first

Visit the breeder in person or request a live video call with the specific puppy.

Targets

Pet seekers

Seen in

U.S.

Pet scams
↑ 23%

pet shipping fee scam

After a puppy or kitten purchase, the buyer is told the pet requires a special climate-controlled crate, insurance, or customs fees that escalate indefinitely.

What to do first

Legitimate pet shipping companies provide all-inclusive quotes upfront.

Targets

Pet seekers

Seen in

U.S.

Pet scams
↑ 23%

online vet bill scam

A scammer contacts a pet buyer claiming the animal needs emergency veterinary care during transit and demands immediate payment to save the pet's life.

What to do first

Ask for the specific vet clinic name, address, and phone number β€” then call directly.

Targets

Pet seekers

Seen in

U.S.

Cryptocurrency scams
↓ 8%

crypto pump and dump group scam

Organized groups on Telegram or Discord coordinate mass purchases to inflate a low-cap token price, then sell their pre-purchased holdings at the peak, leaving latecomers with losses.

What to do first

Recognize that pump and dump schemes are illegal market manipulation β€” participants can face legal consequences

Targets

Crypto investors

Seen in

Global

Social media scams
↑ 76%

Instagram giveaway scam

Fake accounts impersonate brands or influencers and announce fraudulent giveaways that require participants to share personal information, pay a shipping fee, or click malicious links.

What to do first

Verify any giveaway through the brand's official verified account and website

Targets

Social media users

Seen in

Global

Social media scams
↑ 76%

Facebook Marketplace catfish scam

Scammers on Facebook Marketplace create fake buyer or seller profiles to trick people into sending payments for items that do not exist or never arrive.

What to do first

Use Facebook checkout for buyer protection and avoid paying through external payment apps

Targets

Social media users

Seen in

U.S.

Check and money order scams
↑ 37%

counterfeit money order scam

Fraudsters create fake money orders that closely resemble genuine USPS or Western Union instruments but are ultimately worthless.

What to do first

Verify money orders by calling the issuer directly β€” USPS at 1-866-459-7822 for postal money orders.

Targets

Sellers

Seen in

U.S.

Moving and relocation scams
↑ 26%

cross-country moving fraud

Long-distance movers exploit the complexity of interstate moves to pad charges, delay delivery for weeks, or damage belongings without accountability.

What to do first

Ask whether the company is a broker or an actual carrier β€” brokers must disclose this under FMCSA rules.

Targets

Relocating workers

Seen in

U.S.

Auto purchase scams
↑ 28%

vehicle export scam

A buyer claims to purchase a vehicle for export, sends a fake payment, and arranges for a shipper to pick up the car before the fraud is detected.

What to do first

Be suspicious of any buyer who agrees to the full asking price without seeing the vehicle.

Targets

Car buyers

Seen in

U.S.

Auto purchase scams
↑ 28%

car shipping deposit scam

A vehicle transport company collects a deposit to ship a car and then delays indefinitely, demands more money, or disappears entirely.

What to do first

Verify the transport company's FMCSA operating authority and insurance at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Targets

Car buyers

Seen in

U.S.

Timeshare and vacation scams
↑ 16%

all-inclusive bait-and-switch vacation scam

A vacation package advertised as all-inclusive turns out to exclude key amenities, meals, or activities that are then charged as expensive extras.

What to do first

Request a detailed written list of exactly what is included before booking.

Targets

Vacationers

Seen in

U.S.

Contractor and home repair scams
↑ 63%

plumbing emergency scam

A plumber responding to an emergency call inflates the scope of work, claims additional problems exist, or charges extreme markups for parts.

What to do first

Unless water is actively flooding, get at least two estimates before authorizing major plumbing work.

Targets

Homeowners

Seen in

U.S.

Contractor and home repair scams
↑ 63%

HVAC inspection scam

A company offers a cheap HVAC inspection and then claims the system has dangerous defects requiring thousands in immediate repairs or replacement.

What to do first

Get a second opinion from another licensed HVAC contractor before agreeing to any major repair or replacement.

Targets

Homeowners

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

USPS redelivery text scam

A text message impersonating USPS claims a package could not be delivered and provides a link to schedule redelivery, which leads to a phishing site that steals personal information.

What to do first

Do not click links in unsolicited delivery texts β€” check package status directly at usps.com.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

UPS tracking phishing email scam

A phishing email impersonates UPS with a fake tracking update or delivery failure notice, directing victims to a spoofed website to steal login credentials or financial information.

What to do first

Track packages only through the official ups.com website or UPS mobile app.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

FedEx delivery fee scam

A text or email claiming to be from FedEx states that a package requires a small delivery or customs fee and directs you to a fake payment page to steal your credit card information.

What to do first

Never pay delivery fees through links in text messages β€” check fedex.com directly with your tracking number.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

Amazon package confirmation scam

A message claims you have an Amazon package arriving and asks you to confirm your address or payment method through a fake Amazon page, stealing your account credentials.

What to do first

Check your orders by logging in directly at amazon.com β€” never through email links.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

DHL customs payment scam

A message posing as DHL claims your international package is held at customs and requires a fee to be released, directing you to a fraudulent payment portal.

What to do first

Verify customs charges directly through the official DHL website using your tracking number.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

missed delivery notice scam

A fake 'missed delivery' slip is left on your door or sent via text, directing you to a fraudulent website or phone number to reschedule β€” where your personal information is harvested.

What to do first

Verify delivery attempts by entering any tracking number directly on the carrier's official website.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

address verification delivery scam

A text or email claims a package cannot be delivered because your address is incomplete and asks you to verify it through a phishing link that collects your full personal information.

What to do first

Contact the shipping carrier directly if you believe there is a genuine address issue with a package.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

package held at customs scam

Scammers send messages claiming your international package is stuck at customs and you must pay a fee or provide identification to release it, leading to financial theft or identity fraud.

What to do first

Verify any customs charges by contacting the shipping carrier or customs broker directly.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

delivery preference update scam

A phishing email or text asks you to update your delivery preferences or notification settings through a fake carrier portal, capturing your login credentials.

What to do first

Manage delivery preferences only by logging in directly through the carrier's official website or app.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

shipping label phishing scam

An email with an attachment labeled as a shipping label, invoice, or receipt contains malware that infects your device when opened.

What to do first

Never open email attachments from unknown senders or unexpected shipping notifications.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

shipping company impersonation scam

A message impersonating a major shipping company claims a package requires action β€” such as updating delivery details or paying a fee β€” and directs to a phishing site.

What to do first

Check delivery status only through the carrier's official website or app using your tracking number.

Targets

Online consumers

Seen in

U.S.

Robocall scams
↑ 3%

Chinese embassy robocall scam

An automated call in Mandarin claims to be from the Chinese embassy or consulate, stating the recipient has an important document or is involved in a legal matter requiring immediate action and payment.

What to do first

Hang up β€” the Chinese embassy does not contact citizens through pre-recorded phone calls demanding money.

Targets

Non-English speakers

Seen in

U.S.

Robocall scams
↑ 3%

vacation package robocall scam

A robocall congratulates you on winning a free vacation or cruise and asks you to pay taxes, fees, or a deposit to claim it β€” the vacation either does not exist or comes with extreme restrictions.

What to do first

Hang up β€” legitimate vacations are not awarded through unsolicited phone calls.

Targets

Consumers

Seen in

U.S.

Fake review scams
↑ 166%

influencer sponsorship scam

Scammers impersonate brands and offer content creators fake sponsorship deals, then request upfront fees for shipping, samples, or contracts that never materialize.

What to do first

Verify the offer by contacting the brand directly through their official website.

Targets

Content creators

Seen in

U.S.

Fake review scams
↑ 166%

TikTok product reviewer scam

Scammers recruit TikTok users to promote products in videos with promises of free merchandise and commissions, but products never arrive and personal data is harvested.

What to do first

Verify the company independently β€” search for its name plus the word scam before signing up.

Targets

Content creators

Seen in

U.S.

Fake review scams
↑ 166%

brushing scam

You receive unsolicited packages you never ordered β€” a seller is using your name and address to post verified purchase reviews, boosting their product ratings fraudulently.

What to do first

Report the unsolicited package to the marketplace β€” Amazon has a dedicated brushing report form.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Warranty scams
↑ 13%

home warranty upsell scam

Telemarketers aggressively sell overpriced home warranty plans to new homeowners, promising comprehensive coverage that is riddled with exclusions and denial triggers.

What to do first

Research any home warranty company thoroughly on BBB, state insurance department records, and consumer review sites before purchasing

Targets

Homeowners

Seen in

U.S.

Fake scholarship scams
↑ 66%

athletic scholarship scam

A recruiting service claims a college scout noticed your child and charges thousands for a recruiting package that produces no actual scholarship offers.

What to do first

Contact college coaches directly or use the NCAA Eligibility Center β€” legitimate recruiting does not require upfront fees from families.

Targets

High school students

Seen in

U.S.

DNA and ancestry scams
↑ 15%

genetic health report upsell scam

After a legitimate or fake DNA test, scammers contact consumers offering expensive genetic health reports that provide generic or medically meaningless advice.

What to do first

Consult a licensed genetic counselor or your doctor before paying for genetic health interpretations.

Targets

Health-conscious consumers

Seen in

U.S.

Online shopping scams
↑ 166%

Amazon brushing package scam

You receive unsolicited packages from Amazon that you never ordered β€” a sign that a seller is using your address to post fake verified reviews and inflate their product ratings.

What to do first

Report the unsolicited packages to Amazon customer service and check your account for unauthorized access.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

Amazon delivery driver impersonator scam

Scammers pose as Amazon delivery drivers, approaching homes to steal packages, gather personal information, or gain access to residences under the pretense of delivering or verifying an order.

What to do first

Amazon drivers never ask for payment at the door or request personal identification to complete a delivery.

Targets

Homeowners

Seen in

U.S.

Online shopping scams
↑ 166%

PayPal buyer protection loophole scam

Scammers exploit gaps in PayPal's buyer protection by shipping empty boxes with valid tracking numbers, shipping to a different zip code, or using categories exempt from protection to defraud buyers.

What to do first

Request signature confirmation for purchases over 750 USD and document unboxing with video.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Email phishing scams
↑ 80%

PayPal fake payment confirmation scam

A buyer sends a forged PayPal confirmation email to a seller to make it appear that payment has been sent, tricking the seller into shipping goods before discovering no actual payment was received.

What to do first

Never rely on email notifications alone β€” always verify payments by logging into your PayPal account directly.

Targets

Online sellers

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

iMessage phishing link scam

A text message sent via iMessage impersonates Apple, a delivery service, or a toll agency, containing a malicious link designed to steal login credentials or install malware.

What to do first

Never reply to texts from unknown senders β€” replying enables malicious links in iMessage.

Targets

iPhone users

Seen in

U.S.

Online shopping scams
↑ 166%

Craigslist fake buyer shipping label scam

A buyer offers to send a prepaid shipping label for a Craigslist item, but the label is fraudulent or routes the package to the wrong address, leaving the seller without the item or payment.

What to do first

For Craigslist, prefer local cash transactions β€” if you must ship, create and pay for the label yourself.

Targets

Online sellers

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

Uber Eats delivery scam

Scammers posing as Uber Eats drivers contact customers claiming issues with delivery and ask for payment details or verification codes to 'complete' the order.

What to do first

Never share verification codes, credit card details, or passwords with anyone claiming to be an Uber Eats driver.

Targets

Uber Eats customers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

USPS redelivery fee text scam

Fake text messages claim a USPS package could not be delivered and a small redelivery fee must be paid, leading victims to a phishing site that steals credit card information.

What to do first

USPS does not charge redelivery fees and does not request payment via text message β€” delete the message immediately.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

USPS tracking number phishing scam

Phishing emails provide a fake USPS tracking number and link, directing recipients to a spoofed tracking page that installs malware or steals personal information.

What to do first

Track packages only by entering the tracking number directly at usps.com β€” never click tracking links in emails.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

USPS address verification text scam

Fake texts claim USPS cannot deliver a package because the address is incomplete, asking victims to click a link and 'verify' their address, which collects personal information for identity theft.

What to do first

USPS does not contact recipients via text to verify addresses β€” if there is an address issue, USPS returns the package to the sender.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

USPS customs fee payment scam

Phishing messages claim a USPS international package is held at customs and a fee must be paid online to release it, directing victims to fraudulent payment pages.

What to do first

USPS collects customs duties at the time of delivery or through an official notice mailed to your address β€” never through email or text links.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

USPS package held at facility scam

Fake notifications claim a USPS package is being held at a distribution facility and will be destroyed unless the recipient takes action through a phishing link.

What to do first

USPS does not threaten to destroy packages via text or email β€” they send official written notices through the mail.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Employment fraud
↑ 80%

USPS job application scam

Fake job postings claim to recruit USPS mail carriers or clerks, charging applicants fees for applications, background checks, or training that USPS provides at no cost.

What to do first

Apply for USPS jobs only through the official portal at usps.com/careers β€” all USPS job applications are free.

Targets

Job seekers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

USPS undeliverable mail notification scam

Fake emails or letters claim that important mail could not be delivered and direct recipients to a phishing website to schedule redelivery by entering personal information.

What to do first

USPS leaves physical delivery attempt notices (PS Form 3849) in your mailbox β€” they do not send email notifications about undeliverable regular mail.

Targets

General consumers

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

USPS Informed Delivery phishing scam

Phishing emails impersonate USPS Informed Delivery notifications, tricking users into clicking links that lead to fake login pages to steal their USPS.com account credentials.

What to do first

Access Informed Delivery only by logging in directly at informeddelivery.usps.com β€” never through links in emails.

Targets

USPS Informed Delivery users

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

USPS missing package claim scam

Fake websites impersonating USPS promise to help locate missing packages if users fill out a claim form that collects extensive personal and financial information.

What to do first

File missing package claims only through the official USPS website at usps.com/help or at your local post office.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

USPS postage due notice scam

Fake postage due notifications arrive via email or text claiming additional postage is required for a package, directing victims to pay a small fee on a phishing website.

What to do first

USPS handles postage-due items by attaching a notice to the physical mail piece and collecting payment upon delivery or at the post office β€” never through online links.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

UPS delivery notification text scam

A text message impersonating UPS claims a package cannot be delivered and asks the recipient to click a link to update delivery preferences, leading to a credential-harvesting phishing site.

What to do first

Do not click any links β€” go directly to ups.com and enter your tracking number manually.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

UPS tracking update phishing email

A phishing email mimics UPS tracking notifications with a fake tracking number and a link that installs malware or captures login credentials.

What to do first

Never click tracking links in emails β€” copy the tracking number and enter it directly at ups.com.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

UPS customs clearance fee scam

A message claims your UPS international shipment is held at customs and you must pay a clearance fee via a link, which is a phishing page designed to steal payment information.

What to do first

Contact UPS directly through the official website or phone number to verify any customs charges.

Targets

International shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

UPS My Choice account phishing scam

A phishing email claims your UPS My Choice account needs verification or has been compromised, directing you to a fake login page to steal your credentials.

What to do first

Log in to your UPS My Choice account by typing ups.com directly into your browser.

Targets

UPS My Choice members

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

UPS failed delivery attempt notice scam

A door tag, email, or text claims UPS attempted delivery and failed, asking you to call a fake number or visit a fake site to reschedule β€” leading to a phone scam or phishing page.

What to do first

Verify any delivery attempt by entering the InfoNotice number at ups.com or calling 1-800-742-5877.

Targets

Homeowners

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

The UPS Store impersonator scam

Scammers impersonate The UPS Store via email or phone, offering fake notary, printing, or mailbox services to collect personal documents and payment information.

What to do first

Verify any UPS Store communication by calling the specific store location directly using the number listed on theupsstore.com.

Targets

Small business owners

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

UPS shipping label email malware scam

A phishing email claims to contain a UPS shipping label attachment, but the file is malware disguised as a PDF or ZIP that installs a trojan or ransomware on the victim's computer.

What to do first

Never open unexpected attachments β€” UPS does not send shipping labels via unsolicited email.

Targets

Small business owners

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

UPS driver impersonation scam

A person wearing a UPS-like uniform arrives at a home or business claiming a COD payment is required, additional fees are owed, or requesting a signature on a device that captures personal information.

What to do first

Verify any COD shipment by calling UPS at 1-800-742-5877 before making any payment.

Targets

Homeowners

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

UPS package rerouting fee scam

A text or email claims your UPS package needs to be rerouted and charges a small fee, which is used to harvest credit card information on a phishing site.

What to do first

Manage package rerouting only through the official UPS website or UPS My Choice app.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

UPS holiday shipping deadline scam

During peak holiday seasons, scammers send urgent emails claiming your package will miss the holiday deadline unless you pay an expedited shipping fee, harvesting payment details.

What to do first

Check your actual shipment status directly on ups.com using your real tracking number.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

FedEx shipment on hold text scam

A text message claims your FedEx shipment is on hold due to an incomplete address, directing you to a phishing link to update delivery details and pay a redelivery fee.

What to do first

Do not click links in text messages β€” check shipment status directly at fedex.com.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

FedEx delivery address confirmation scam

An email claims FedEx could not confirm your delivery address and asks you to click a link to verify, leading to a credential-harvesting phishing page.

What to do first

Verify your shipment directly at fedex.com using your tracking number.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

FedEx Express customs fee scam

A phishing email claims your FedEx Express international shipment requires a customs clearance payment before delivery, directing to a fake payment portal.

What to do first

Contact FedEx directly at 1-800-463-3339 to verify any customs charges.

Targets

International shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

FedEx package return notification scam

An email claims your FedEx package is being returned to sender due to failed delivery and asks you to click a link to prevent the return, leading to a phishing page or malware download.

What to do first

Log in to fedex.com directly to check your delivery status β€” do not use links from emails.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

FedEx Office phishing scam

A phishing email impersonates FedEx Office, claiming a print order or document is ready for pickup with a link that installs malware or harvests login credentials.

What to do first

If you did not place a FedEx Office order, ignore and delete the email.

Targets

Small business owners

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

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.

What to do first

Do not call back numbers from suspicious voicemails β€” use the official FedEx number 1-800-463-3339.

Targets

Seniors

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

FedEx Ground tracking scam

A phishing email or text impersonates FedEx Ground with a fake tracking number, directing victims to a lookalike tracking page that harvests personal information.

What to do first

Always track packages by going directly to fedex.com and entering the number manually.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

FedEx commercial invoice phishing scam

A phishing email targets businesses with a fake FedEx commercial invoice attachment that contains malware or links to a credential-harvesting portal.

What to do first

Verify any FedEx invoices by logging in to your FedEx Billing Online account at fedex.com.

Targets

Small business owners

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

FedEx account billing scam

A phishing email claims there is an issue with your FedEx shipping account billing, directing you to a fake portal to update payment information.

What to do first

Access your FedEx account billing by navigating directly to fedex.com.

Targets

Small business owners

Seen in

U.S.

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

FedEx delivery exception notification scam

A phishing message claims a delivery exception has occurred on your FedEx shipment, urging you to click a link to resolve the issue β€” leading to a fake site that steals credentials or installs malware.

What to do first

Check for legitimate delivery exceptions by logging in to fedex.com directly.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Online shopping scams
↑ 166%

eBay empty box shipment scam

A seller ships an empty box or a box filled with worthless items to generate a valid tracking number, then disputes any buyer complaint by pointing to the delivered tracking confirmation.

What to do first

Record a video when opening packages from unknown sellers as proof of what was received.

Targets

eBay buyers

Seen in

U.S.

Holiday shopping scams
β†’ 0%

porch pirate package theft scam

Thieves systematically follow delivery trucks or use tracking information from data breaches to steal packages from doorsteps during the peak holiday shipping season.

What to do first

Use delivery lockers, require signature confirmation, or have packages delivered to a secure location like your workplace.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Holiday shopping scams
β†’ 0%

fake shipping notification scam

Scammers send fake shipping notifications via text or email impersonating carriers like USPS, FedEx, or UPS during the holidays, leading victims to phishing sites or malware downloads.

What to do first

Do not click links in unexpected shipping notifications β€” track packages directly on the carrier's official website.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Holiday shopping scams
β†’ 0%

holiday seasonal job scam

Fake job listings promise high-paying seasonal holiday work at major retailers or shipping companies, then steal applicants' personal data or charge upfront fees for nonexistent positions.

What to do first

Apply for seasonal jobs directly through the retailer's official careers page, not through third-party links.

Targets

Job seekers

Seen in

U.S.

Holiday shopping scams
β†’ 0%

fake holiday travel deal scam

Scammers advertise deeply discounted holiday travel packages via social media and email, collecting full payment for flights and hotels that are never booked.

What to do first

Book travel through established platforms and verify any deal by calling the airline or hotel directly with the confirmation number.

Targets

Travelers

Seen in

U.S.

Back-to-school scams
↑ 21%

dorm furniture marketplace scam

Fake sellers on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and campus buy/sell groups list dorm furniture at attractive prices, collect deposits or full payment, then never deliver the items.

What to do first

Only purchase furniture you can inspect in person, and meet in a public place on campus.

Targets

College students

Seen in

U.S.

Summer travel scams
↑ 54%

fake travel agency scam

Fraudulent travel agencies advertise all-inclusive summer packages at unbeatable prices, collect full payment, and then provide no services, leaving travelers stranded.

What to do first

Verify travel agencies through the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) directory and check for state seller of travel registration.

Targets

Travelers

Seen in

U.S.

Summer travel scams
↑ 54%

fake resort booking scam

Scammers create fake resort websites or impersonate real luxury resorts to sell nonexistent vacation packages, leaving travelers without accommodations after paying thousands.

What to do first

Verify resort bookings by calling the property directly using a phone number found through an independent search, not the one on the booking confirmation.

Targets

Travelers

Seen in

U.S.

QR code scams
↑ 27%

package delivery QR code scam

Fake delivery notices left on doors or in mailboxes contain QR codes that victims scan to reschedule delivery, leading to phishing sites that steal personal and financial data.

What to do first

Do not scan QR codes on unexpected delivery notices β€” check your tracking directly with the retailer or carrier.

Targets

Online shoppers

Seen in

U.S.

Pig butchering scams
↓ 6%

WhatsApp group investment pig butchering scam

Victims are added to WhatsApp groups posing as exclusive investment communities where fake members share fabricated profit screenshots, pressuring newcomers to invest in fraudulent platforms.

What to do first

Leave immediately if you are added to a WhatsApp investment group without your consent.

Targets

Aspiring investors

Seen in

U.S.

Ponzi and pyramid schemes
↓ 3%

MLM schemes targeting immigrant communities

MLM companies target immigrant communities through cultural trust networks, church groups, and diaspora gatherings, exploiting language barriers and the desire for financial independence.

What to do first

Research the company name in English β€” many MLM warning sites and FTC actions are only available in English.

Targets

Immigrants

Seen in

U.S.

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