Delivery Scams: Spot Them Fast and Stay Safe

Ever gotten a text saying your package is waiting, but you never ordered anything? That’s a classic delivery scam. Scammers use fake tracking numbers, urgent language, and sometimes even spoofed phone numbers to trick you into clicking links or sharing personal info. The good news? You can dodge most of these tricks with a few quick checks.

Common Types of Delivery Scams

First, there’s the "fake tracking" alert. You get a message that looks like it came from a courier, complete with a tracking link. The link actually leads to a phishing page that steals your login details. Another popular one is the "missed delivery" call. The caller claims to be from a courier and asks for a payment to re‑schedule delivery. In reality, they’re just trying to get your card info.

Some scammers impersonate well‑known services like Amazon or DHL. They’ll send an email that mirrors the brand’s layout, then ask you to confirm an order you never placed. Because the email looks legit, many people fall for it. Lastly, there’s the "package pick‑up" scam. A fake courier shows up at your door, asks for a signature, and takes cash for a service you never requested.

How to Protect Yourself

Start with the source. If you get a text or email, check the sender’s address. Official couriers use domain names like @dhl.com or @fedex.com. A random Gmail or Yahoo address is a red flag. Never click directly on links in messages—type the courier’s website into your browser instead and track the package there.

Second, verify the order. Log into the retailer’s account you actually shop with and look for the order in your history. If it’s not there, ignore the notification. For phone calls, ask the driver for an ID badge and a vehicle number, then call the courier’s official hotline to confirm.

Third, protect your payment info. Never pay a “delivery fee” via wire transfer, gift card, or cash. Legitimate couriers only accept credit cards or cash on delivery when you’re actually receiving something. If a payment method feels odd, it probably is.

Finally, keep your address private. Avoid posting it publicly on social media, especially if you’re waiting for a shipment. The less information thieves have, the harder it is for them to craft convincing scams.

If you do fall victim, act fast. Contact the courier’s fraud department, your bank, and file a police report. Most companies have dedicated teams that can freeze the transaction and help retrieve lost funds.

Staying alert takes only a few seconds, but it can save you a lot of hassle and money. Remember: real couriers don’t pressure you, and they rarely ask for payment through unconventional channels. When in doubt, pause, verify, and then decide.