Fake Delivery Texts
Smishing messages posing as couriers asking for a small fee or login to 'reschedule' delivery.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
What this scam is
Fake delivery texts (smishing) impersonate couriers like postal services and parcel companies. They claim a delivery failed or a fee is owed, linking to a phishing site that steals card and personal details.
How it works
You get a text about a 'missed delivery' or 'unpaid customs fee' with a link. The page mimics the courier and asks for a small payment plus card and personal details — which are then used for fraud or sold.
Common red flags
- A small fee demanded to release a parcel
- Links to a non-official courier domain
- Urgency and a short deadline
- Requests for full card and personal details
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
DHL: Your parcel is held pending a [amount] redelivery fee. Pay now at [fake link] to avoid return.
Payment methods used
- Small 'redelivery' fees
- Card details harvested
Who is usually targeted
- Anyone expecting a parcel
- Frequent online shoppers
What to do immediately
- Do not click — check tracking on the courier's official app or site
- If you entered card details, contact your bank
- Report and delete the message
Evidence to preserve
- The message and sender number
- The link URL
- Any payment made
Where to report it
- Action Fraud (UK) — UK national fraud & cybercrime reporting centre
- FTC ReportFraud (US) — US Federal Trade Commission fraud reports
- FBI IC3 (US) — US Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Scamwatch (Australia) — Australian competition & consumer reporting
- Your bank's fraud line — Use the number on the back of your card or in your banking app — never a number the caller gives you
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Frequently asked questions
Do couriers ask for fees by text?
Genuine couriers rarely demand small fees via text links. Verify any delivery only through the official courier app or website using the tracking number from your order confirmation.