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We all love getting packages. The little thrill when your online order is finally on its way? Unbeatable! But that excitement can also be exactly what cybercriminals use to trick you. If your phone buzzes with a text message that seems to be from UPS, FedEx, or the post office about a "delivery issue," you need to stop and think before you tap.

Welcome to the world of delivery text scams, often called "smishing" (phishing via SMS). These scams are everywhere, and they are incredibly effective because they prey on two things: your curiosity about a package and your fear of losing it.

The Delivery Scam Playbook

These messages are designed to look totally legitimate and create immediate panic. Here’s the typical scenario:

1. The Surprise Text: You get an unsolicited text message. It often uses official-sounding language and logos (if they send a rich message) and claims to be from a well-known carrier like UPS, DHL, or the United States Postal Service (USPS).
2. The Urgent Problem: The message states there's a problem with your package—maybe they couldn't deliver it, you owe a small fee, or they need to confirm your address. The goal is to make you worry that your purchase is in jeopardy.
3. The "Fix-It" Link: The text includes a convenient link and tells you to click it now to "resolve the issue" or "reschedule delivery."
4. The Phishing Hook: That link does not lead to the real delivery company. Instead, it takes you to a fake phishing website designed to look exactly like the carrier's login or payment page. This site tries to steal one of two things:
   1. Your Personal Data: They might ask you to "confirm" your name, address, or password.
   1. Your Payment Info: They might ask for a small "redelivery fee" (usually $1 or $2) to steal your credit card details.

Your Defense: Three Steps to Safety

Stopping these scams is easy once you know the rules. Follow these three steps every time you get an unexpected delivery alert:

1. Never Click the Link in the Text

This is the number one rule. Official delivery companies rarely notify you of urgent problems via a random, unsolicited text with a link. Even if you are expecting a package, assume the link is fake. Clicking it is how the scam starts.

2. Verify Directly (The Safe Way!)

If you genuinely worry about a package, don't use the information in the text message. Instead, use a safe method to check:

• Check Your Email: Go back to your original order confirmation email. It always contains the official tracking number.
• Go to the Official Site: Open your web browser and type the official website address (e.g., UPS.com) yourself. Do not rely on the link in the text.
• Use the Official App: If you use the carrier's mobile app, open it and check your package status there.

3. Block and Report the Number

Once you confirm the text is a scam, take action.

• Block the Number: This prevents them from texting you again (though they often use new numbers).
• Report the Scam: Forward the suspicious text message to the short code 7726 (SPAM). This helps your carrier and others track and block these malicious numbers across their network.

Stay vigilant, trust your gut, and protect yourself from being lured into a delivery trap!

October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a global initiative that encourages individuals and organizations to take proactive steps to protect themselves online. In 2025, the theme is “Building a Cyber Strong America,” a call to action for everyone—from government agencies to private companies and everyday internet users—to strengthen our collective defenses against cyber threats. Cybersecurity isn’t […]
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