Before you respond
Package delivery texts
Learn package delivery text scam warning signs, including fake carrier links, redelivery fees, address updates, and what to check before paying safely.
Reviewed June 10, 2026
Quick answer
A package delivery text may be a scam if it says there is a problem and sends you to a link to fix it.
Check tracking through the retailer, carrier app, or official carrier website instead of using the message link.
At a glance
Package delivery scams impersonate carriers or retailers with missed-delivery, address, postage, or redelivery links.
- The text says a package is delayed, unpaid, undeliverable, or waiting for your address.
- The link does not clearly match the official carrier website.
- It asks for a small payment, card number, address, or identity information.
Do not use the link in the message.
Delivery text check
Package scams often use small problems that feel easy to fix quickly.
Claim
Missed delivery
Safer check
Check the retailer order or carrier app
Warning sign
The text sends a new link to reschedule
Claim
Address problem
Safer check
Use the tracking number from your receipt
Warning sign
The page asks for full identity or card details
Claim
Small fee
Safer check
Confirm fees through the carrier website you type yourself
Warning sign
The fee is tiny but requires card entry from the text link
Olevo can review the message wording or screenshot, but it does not open the delivery link for you.
How package delivery text scams work
Package delivery text scams usually start with a small problem that sounds easy to fix. The message may say a label is incomplete, an address is wrong, a package is held, or a redelivery fee is due. The link can lead to a look-alike carrier page that asks for payment, card details, or identity information.
The safer path is to ignore the link and check through a source you already trust. Open the retailer account, carrier app, or official website yourself. If the message also asks for a tiny fee or a QR code scan, compare it with broader text scam warning signs and QR code scams before entering information.
What it may look like
"USPS: Your package could not be delivered. Update your address and pay the redelivery fee here."
Signs to slow down
- The text says a package is delayed, unpaid, undeliverable, or waiting for your address.
- The link does not clearly match the official carrier website.
- It asks for a small payment, card number, address, or identity information.
- You were not expecting a package or did not request text updates.
What to do next
- Do not use the link in the message.
- Open the store account, carrier app, or official carrier website yourself.
- Look up the tracking number from your order receipt, not from the text.
- Do not enter card or identity information from a text link.
- Ask a trusted contact before paying any fee.
How to report it
- Forward package scam texts to 7726 and use your phone's report junk option.
- Report USPS-related smishing to USPIS when the message impersonates postal delivery.
- Report the message to ReportFraud.ftc.gov if it asked for payment, card information, or identity details.
How Olevo can help
Olevo can give you a calm second opinion before you respond.
For a package text, paste the message for a Private Check, or upload a screenshot if the link or sender is easier to show; screenshots use Detailed Review.
Trusted sources
Think that text message is from USPS? It could be a scam
Federal Trade Commission
FTC guidance says unexpected package texts can lead to look-alike sites asking for personal or financial information.
Is that unexpected text a scam?
Federal Trade Commission
FTC guidance covers fake fraud alerts, delivery issues, unpaid tolls, job offers, and wrong-number texts.
Smishing: Package Tracking Text Scams
United States Postal Inspection Service
USPIS explains that package-tracking text scams use unsolicited messages and unfamiliar links.
Common questions
Do package scams always ask for a large payment?
No. Some ask for a small fee because it feels harmless, but the page can collect your card and personal information.
What if I really am waiting for a package?
Use the retailer account, official carrier app, or the carrier website you type yourself. Do not use the text link.
Can Olevo check a screenshot of a delivery text?
Yes. You can use a screenshot or paste the visible words, depending on what is easiest.
What if I clicked a fake package delivery link?
Close the page, do not enter more information, and check your real order through the retailer or carrier directly. Contact your bank quickly if you entered card details.