The Rising Threat of Package Delivery Fraud: How to Protect Yourself
June 4, 2025
In today's digital age, online shopping has become a daily convenience for millions. However, with the surge in online purchases comes an increase in package delivery fraud, a continuously evolving scam that seeks to exploit unsuspecting consumers. This article explains the various forms of package delivery fraud and provides practical tips on how to safeguard against them.
Understanding Package Delivery Fraud
Package delivery fraud typically involves scammers impersonating legitimate delivery services like USPS, FedEx, UPS or DHL. The FTC named package delivery fraud texts as the most reported text scam of 2024, usually from someone pretending to be the U.S. Postal Service. Some of these messages include links to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and financial information.
Common Types of Package Delivery Scams
1. Phishing Emails and Texts: Scammers send messages that appear to be from reputable delivery services, asking recipients to click on a link to resolve a delivery issue. These links often lead to fake websites that harvest sensitive information.
2. Fake Delivery Notifications: These notifications claim that a package is awaiting delivery but requires payment of customs fees or taxes. The goal is to trick recipients into providing credit card details.
3. Missed Delivery Notes: Fraudsters leave notes or tags on doors with a phone number to call for rescheduling delivery. Calling the number can result in high connection fees and costly per-minute rates.
4. Random QR Codes: Fraudsters put QR codes on the outside of packages claiming that warranty, instructions, special promotions, etc. can be accessed by following the QR code link. After scanning the QR code, malware can be installed that gathers personal data and sends it to fraudsters.
How to Protect Yourself
1. Verify Delivery Information Independently: If you receive a suspicious message, do not click on any links or provide personal information. Instead, visit the retailer's website or contact the delivery service directly using verified contact details.
2. Use Filters and Report Scams: Utilize your phone's filtering options to block texts from unknown senders. Report any suspicious messages to your messaging app or forward them to 7726 (SPAM) to help authorities track and combat these scams.
3. Be Cautious with Unsolicited Requests: Delivery services will never ask for payment or personal information through unsolicited texts or emails. Be wary of any message that creates a sense of urgency or requests sensitive information.
4. Do Not Scan Package QR Codes: Legitimate companies typically include warranty information or instructions inside the package, and special promotions will either be on the company’s website or delivered by email. Be cautious of any QR code on the outside of a delivered package.
Package delivery fraud is a growing concern, but by staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a scam or package delivery fraud, report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
You can contact Bank Iowa’s team for help. We can assist in reviewing possible fraud situations and provide tools and resources that may be helpful.