$12.5B
FTC-reported fraud losses in 2024
FTC says consumers reported losing $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024.
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.
“impersonation scam”
↑ 604%Key indicators
Usually targetsSmall business owners
Often hitsSmall business owners
Common regionUnited States
Last updated2026-04-04
Estimated impact
$1.4K
median reported loss
Typical range$90 – $18K
Recovery rate~15%
Annual reports330,000
Scam breakdown
1
Scammers send emails with UPS branding containing an attachment labeled as a shipping label or invoice.
2
The attachment contains malware — often a trojan downloader or ransomware payload.
3
Once opened, the malware can encrypt files, steal credentials, or provide remote access to attackers.
What to do first
Never open unexpected attachments — UPS does not send shipping labels via unsolicited email.
Related terms
UPS label malwareUPS attachment virusfake UPS shipping labelBrand impersonation scamsUPSSurgingSmall business ownersE-commerce sellersProfessionalsSmall business ownersCreators and online sellersOnline shoppersUnited StatesCanadaGermanyUPS label malwareUPS attachment virus
Real-world example
How this scam plays out in practice
Based on reported patterns. Names and details are illustrative.
The setup
Brian, 45, a small business owners, encountered what appeared to be a legitimate brand impersonation scams situation while using UPS. Scammers send emails with UPS branding containing an attachment labeled as a shipping label or invoice.
Step 2
What happened next was calculated: The attachment contains malware — often a trojan downloader or ransomware payload.
Step 3
The pressure escalated quickly: Once opened, the malware can encrypt files, steal credentials, or provide remote access to attackers.
The outcome
Brian realized something was wrong when unexpected email attachment claiming to be a shipping label. By that point, significant damage had already been done — money sent, personal information shared, or trust exploited.
The lesson
Never open unexpected attachments — UPS does not send shipping labels via unsolicited email. Brian's experience shows why unexpected email attachment claiming to be a shipping label and file extension is .exe, .zip, or .scr rather than a standard pdf are the clearest early warning signs.
How to identify it
- Unexpected email attachment claiming to be a shipping label
- File extension is .exe, .zip, or .scr rather than a standard PDF
- Email urges you to print the label immediately to avoid shipment delay
- 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
- ✓Never open unexpected attachments — UPS does not send shipping labels via unsolicited email.
- ✓Scan any suspicious attachments with antivirus software before opening.
- ✓Report the email to [email protected] and delete it immediately.
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.
- CISA has issued multiple alerts about malware distribution campaigns using shipping brand impersonation emails, including UPS-themed lures.
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.
- ✓Never open unexpected attachments — UPS does not send shipping labels via unsolicited email.
- ✓Scan any suspicious attachments with antivirus software before opening.
- ✓Report the email to [email protected] and delete it immediately.
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.
CISA has issued multiple alerts about malware distribution campaigns using shipping brand impersonation emails, including UPS-themed lures.
FBI IC3 2024
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
Small business owners, E-commerce sellers, Professionals
Geographic concentration
United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom
Primary channel
UPS — Brand impersonation scams
Why this group is vulnerable
Small business owners 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
- CISA has issued multiple alerts about malware distribution campaigns using shipping brand impersonation emails, including UPS-themed lures.
Source notes
- FBI IC3 2024
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about ups shipping label email malware scam
How does the ups shipping label email malware scam work?+
Scammers send emails with UPS branding containing an attachment labeled as a shipping label or invoice. The attachment contains malware — often a trojan downloader or ransomware payload. Once opened, the malware can encrypt files, steal credentials, or provide remote access to attackers.
What are the warning signs of ups shipping label email malware scam?+
Unexpected email attachment claiming to be a shipping label File extension is .exe, .zip, or .scr rather than a standard PDF Email urges you to print the label immediately to avoid shipment delay
What should I do if I encounter ups shipping label email malware scam?+
Never open unexpected attachments — UPS does not send shipping labels via unsolicited email. Scan any suspicious attachments with antivirus software before opening. Report the email to [email protected] and delete it immediately.
Who is most at risk for ups shipping label email malware scam?+
This scam primarily targets Small business owners, E-commerce sellers, Professionals. It is most commonly reported in United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom and typically appears on UPS.
Is ups shipping label email malware scam getting worse?+
UPS shipping label email malware scam is currently surging — reports are increasing rapidly. It has been reported across US, CA, DE, UK. 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.
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