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You may be skeptical when someone you don’t know sends you a text message you didn’t expect and it tells you to click on a link. Maybe that little voice in your head starts talking to you. I know mine does. It says, “Hmm, this could be a scam. Maybe someone wants to steal my personal information. Or get me to pay for something.”

I guess that's why scammers come up with new stories all the time, like a package tracking scam we're hearing about. Here's how it works.

Scammers send a text message with a fake shipment tracking code and a link to update your delivery preferences. In this case, the message says it’s from FedEx.

But they might use the name of another well-known shipping company, or the good old U.S. Postal Service.

Cue that skeptical little voice in your head. Here’s what it might be thinking:

  • “Was I expecting a package delivery?”
  • “Did I send a package to someone?”
  • “Did I ask for text notifications?”

Tip: If you get an unexpected text message, don’t click on any links. If you think it could be legit, contact the company using a website or phone number you know is real. Don’t use the information in the text message.

In this version of the scam the link takes you to a fake Amazon website. There, you're invited to take a customer satisfaction survey. And you might just win a free prize. But to get it, you have to give them your credit card number to pay for shipping.

Hopefully that wise little voice in your head is thinking:

  • “I shouldn't have clicked that link!”
  • “Why would a link to my package delivery preferences take me to an unrelated website?”
  • “You said the prize was free, but now I need to pay. What else am I agreeing to pay for?”
  • “I really shouldn’t have clicked on that link!”

Tip: Some companies offer so-called “free trials” that come with hidden costs. Here’s what you should consider before you sign up for a free trial offer.

Scammers may be turning to text messages as a new tactic. But there’s a lot you can do right now to protect yourself. Read How to Recognize and Report Spam Text Messages to learn what to do about spam text messages and how to report them.

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

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Tina
September 03, 2020
Have gotten at least 10 different texts in last 2 weeks saying fed ex wanting to deliver my package and never had one ordered
Jaykempner
September 03, 2020
Received this text message a few times now, but I think it’s a scam. I haven’t clicked the link luckily. But I know that tracking number is not an actual Usps tracking number.. text message: Jayme, final notice about the USPS package 8R81K5 from 07/11/2020. Click: l8smk.info/GpJhrktCQ2
One time verif…
September 16, 2020
funny everyone saying dont click links on your phone. Well try getting all your info stolen and trying to get a hold of ANY company and they ALL want to send a "ONE TIME CODE" to your phone to verify its you. Well I dont have that phone number OR my email anymore so its impossible to "verify" its me! Great time for criminals and a horrible time for people who have been hacked! Just like it says on your Social security card "not to be used as a form or identification" Well try getting any Utilities turned on! It wont happen without your Social Security number!
mack
September 16, 2020
I get those messages regarding deliveries from UPS, etc., a lot. I checked them out and soon learned they are a scam, so I simply delete them. I do order things on line frequently but I know from whom I order so I keep track of everything.
Sharlaj
September 16, 2020
I get these all the time and report them.. they never stop
Dr. D. Viola
September 18, 2020
Just received text which says "Voicemail: Parcel Sorting Center: Found package addressed to Donna. Last pick-up day - Saturday! Then a link follows. Although I order a lot online, the wording just didn't sound official to me. Thanks for information!
zodiacleo468
September 21, 2020
I talked someone in two months then we correspond in email we talk in there also in whatsapp app. Adding number in it and he asking my address coz he said he want to send me a package from kabul afghanistan he said he's working as US General military he sent me a tracking number and the link logistic shipment company , now I found it when I click the link his package is on hold in the Philippines...So now I confusing why his package on hold in the Philippines is this scammer ? He didn't asking me anything just my address, phone number and email ..Do I need to change my bank card number to protect my not scam ..Please help me .thank u
Alex
September 27, 2020
My guess is Fedex has been hacked. They used my business email prefix(linked to fedex) to google me and found an old personal email prefix that was the same and emailed me the scam there. When I view the email source code, there are multiple other emails, text and keywords that are not viewable(normally) - assume these are meant to bypass email filters(some of them looked like website registrations and other logit info) Around the same time, I started receiving calls from what looked like a fedex callerid. Definitely social hacking across multiple channels.
Don't use your…
September 29, 2020
i get 25/day!!!! how do i make it stop? I block Every number!!!
Gorilla
October 03, 2020
I’m really skeptical because I got a text from fedex saying my package was on its way, when I never ordered one. And it had a link
Charlie
October 08, 2020
This scam is still going on. I just received one of these texts this morning. Since I use AT&T as my carrier, I forwarded it to their SPAM number.
h
October 11, 2020
why can't our law enforcement go after these fraud/scammers. i got a fake scam from 347-327-3250
Scaredstupid
October 12, 2020
I received a fake shipping link in my text messages from what looks like FedEx. It said I could expect a delivery from Spectrum, my internet provider. When I clicked on the link, it had me do a quick survey, and said something like you’ve won A chance at winning a Samsung galaxy or iPhone 11. I suspected something so I looked this up online. And sure enough I found out it was a scam before I had submitted any financial information. If it seems too good be true, it usually is! But I did submit info about my age and how I use Spectrum services which I can’t believe I fell for.
DonFreddie
October 12, 2020
Scammers use computers that start dialing numbers, any number, in hopes someone will answer. Even if your number is not listed anywhere or with any company, you can still scam calls and scam texts. If you don’t truly know the number calling or texting, Do NOT answer and NEVER click on a link from someone not already in your contacts!
Gma2020B
October 12, 2020
Grandson birthday is tomorrow and all the relatives live out of state. I guess I'll call fedex. I never click on links
Wally
October 15, 2020
Where the danger can lie sometimes is when you actually ARE dealing with FedEx about something. This scam almost got me for that reason. What stopped me was my basic aversion to anything that says "free prize". Those two words should be red flags for everybody.
Bubba
October 15, 2020
If I clicked on the link, but I didn’t go any further. They don’t have any personal info except they have my phone number.
John
October 17, 2020
I know it's a scam, but will the link give you malware or not.
Kins
October 17, 2020
Received the following: FEDEX: delivery 17111 report- sent! Click here: d6fsx.info/gtFzPXnpAp Uh, no. don't have any fedex shipments coming, but in today's world where we place sooooo many online orders, I could see many many people falling for this. Then BAM- identity stolen.
Boggs0009
October 17, 2020
Just got a fake FEDEx text saying “parcel update - shipped. “ Of course there’s a link to click afterwards. First off, I didn’t order or ship anything. Secondly, even if I had, the companies NEVER use a full length phone number for texts. It’s always between a 4-6 digit code. This idiot used a full-length phone number, including the country code. Look out for simple mistakes like that as well.
Muhammad Atif …
October 25, 2020
My wife and I received a text message from +1 (216) 681-5442 the text message says “ FEDEX - parcel 11574 notice - sent. Review here: e6fzr.info/pStqthyWKW”
Smoove
October 25, 2020
I always comment back that “ I have a package for your mom, can you guess what is?” Then block the number and delete the text
Audra Price
October 25, 2020
I have received at least 2 of these spam texts every week for over a month's time.
Stefan
October 27, 2020
I pressed the link from my iPhone but then realized it was a scam and left the page without taking any action. Am I exposed to malware or any other problems just from having pressed the link?
Consumer29600
October 29, 2020
332 234-2923 FEDEx scam notification. Notice the spelling and the order number.
Jo
November 02, 2020
Thank you for this article. I received my first text about a month ago and I thought it strange. I place a lot of orders online - mainly Amazon, so when I first received this text I thought oh my order but that little voice. So I received another FedEx text this am and that is what brought me here via google. I am currently awaiting and eagerly so - some packages from Amazon, so I had that same thought "Oh my packages" but then had second thoughts including that FedEx/Amazon hasn't been communicating with me in this way, but maybe its something new? I then googled it and got this article. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Max
November 08, 2020
Have had 2 this week from FedEx...deleted both
SQ
December 05, 2020
Pay attention to the phone #. Sending the text. If it’s a 10 digit phone number, it’s a scam. UPS, Fedex, Amazon, and most others use a 5 digit number. If it looks like a real phone number eg, (212) 555-1212, it’s a scam.
Monarch1111
December 13, 2020
I also received the one regarding my Netflix acct being blocked due to no payment. Just got TWO of these saying they are from FED EX: From: +1 (317) 796-8522 @ 7:50 AM Hi James, FedEx will be delivering your order tomorrow! To confirm delivery address, please enter your information here now >> fc10u.com/LTWGQ6iv8c From: +1 (929)289-5069 @ 7:37 AM Hi James, FedEx will be delivering your order tomorrow! To confirm delivery address, please enter your information here now >> fc10u.com/LTHAjAiv8c DON’T FALL FOR IT!
mrngstrm
December 17, 2020
Fwd: FedEx Notification: Your parcel is on its way with a complimentary item. Confirm your details here gw17n.com/AufihX4iiI
montgomery1926
December 30, 2020
I gave them my email address and some passwords..then I deleted face book and passwords! I did not give my pin number.did I mess up?
Nay
January 26, 2021
This is very scary especially since they are sending it when I am actually expecting a delivery. I never click on text message links I receive. I just wonder how they know I am expecting a package. This has happened when I was expecting an Amazon delivery now I am expecting Fedex and I get what I believe is a phony text message.
Don't use yoDe…
February 10, 2021
Sadly i got caught on a text scam i was expecting parcels from Amazon and text said i need to pay 1-99 euro so stupidly i gave my back details but when payment was not confirmed bells start to ring now im an 68 year old but im good at spoting scams but this one looked so real anyway i realised it was a scam and rang my bank straight away and cancelled my caed my card and Thank God they got nothing so if you are the least bit unsure dont give any details to anyone never click on a text or email Derek
skepticalasalways77
February 10, 2021
I have lost count of how many times i get text messages from area code 405 with a prefix of 779. Sometimes the prefix will change but for the most part the messages from area code 405 have prefix 779 following it. The messages range from debt consolidation relief to package deliver notifications to class act lawsuit eligibility inquiries. All kinds of subjects! I even tried calling a few of these numbers and more often than not a recording comes on after approximately 5 rings that says "the subscriber you have reached has not set up their voicemail yet." 405 is Oklahoma's area code, or at least one of them. I'm at a loss. YES, THEY ALL HAVE LINKS! NO I'M NOT CLICKING ON THEM.
ipbc
February 15, 2021
Got two mails from Fedex which are scams within 2 mns of each other. Tried to contact Fedex customer services about them. Customer sservice does not really exists. Just click on numbers which lead you nowhere
milli
February 18, 2021
we recieved a message and we were expecting a parcel .i realised it was a scam but couldnt get it off my phone .after hours of trying i finally did it but incured €18.80 in expenses extra in my sms they called 91 diffetent numbers and each cost 21 cents .imagine if i couldnt get it off my phone
Juicyeyes
February 26, 2021
I received this text message that I did not know anything about on feb 23 and feb 26th from number "46339" On 2/23/21 it said: "FedEx: fedex.com/t/172604240117/en_US Picked up, scheduled for delivery 02/26. Reply HELP for help. STOP to cancel." And on 2/26/21 it said: "FedEx: fedex.com/t/172604240117/en_US Estimated delivery today 02/26 8:25A-12:45P. Reply HELP for help. STOP to cancel." So Idk if this is real and im not clicking the link. I will see if anything comes and contact FedEx
Ade 76
March 09, 2021
And please also beware that a lot of so called Facebook friends are also passing this scam on as well. I suspect that they may well get money from passing it along? But I have 2 attempts now form so called friends telling me how they have recieved these generous amounts of money from fed-ex they have won and how life is so wonderful for them now as they have paid all these debts off through it and ask if you have received yours yet as they saw your name on the winner's list? Checked on line yesterday after receiving this info from a former f_b friend and yes it's a scam. Please dont fall for it and then block so called friend.
Angela zhang
March 15, 2021
Sorry, i received message for pick up a parcel, but i can't clicked it. So what can I do
Makaala
March 19, 2021
Has anyone been scammed by FEDEX grant program Dealing with that. Send money then ask for more and more
Juda
April 08, 2021
I received this text: This is Joe your FedX (sic) driver. I have missed you at homea couple of hours ago. I have you package in my truck and I wish to deliver it at your door! When should I do it? Please confirm it here: gogw.com/RRVh7" The associated Phone # is (412) 398-2920. obvious scam
Jane
April 20, 2021
This morning, I received 8 text messages that came overnight while my phone was off. They identified themselves as Patrick, my FedEx driver and said they’ve been trying to deliver a package to me. Then asked me to contact them with the best to do the delivery! Lots of red flags here: why so many texts, I hadn’t ordered anything through FedEx, why don’t they just drop it off, they don’t need a specific time.....etc. I deleted immediately.
Deb
April 24, 2021
And they’re still at it! Stupidly, I did click the link and take the ‘survey’, but didn’t claim a ‘prize’!!
Stop scam text
May 07, 2021
I save some screenshots of the text messages I get from scammers I haven't opened any links I wanna send them to someone who can stop these annoying text messages
Shelly
May 29, 2021
I just received a text message, telling me: FedEx Alert: Your order from May 23 is on its way, then my name. Track your package here and then another one says follow your package here. Both have different links and were sent 19 minutes apart.
NM
May 29, 2021
I use Fed Ex and got a text which i clicked on. then i got a message saying that my devices had been infected with a Trojan virus, and that the iPhone memory was compromised. I was told to get an Apple app right away to secure the data and was taken to McAfee Security app site and asked to pay 29.95 for the security app. Is this a scam to get CC info, or is this a real message from Apple?
oregonoutback
June 04, 2021
Yep... I just received a text from "FedEx" saying my order from May 23rd has shipped, which immediately sent up red flags. Glad I found this article to confirm I'm not paranoid :-)
ko myo
July 01, 2021
Thanks.
Pab789
July 08, 2021
I just received a text message from FedEx about a re delivery , asking me to pay £1.75 even though I have not ordered anything , I’m thinking scam and having to pay for re delivery means they have my card details , hopefully people don’t fall for this . . . .