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Expecting packages shipped to your home this holiday season? You’re not the only one… scammers are, too.

Did you get a text message with a shipment tracking code and a link to update your delivery preferences? It's a scam. Learn more.

We’ve learned of a phony “delivery failure notification” email making the rounds. It looks like it’s from the U.S. Postal Service — but it’s not. The email says you missed a delivery. But, it says, if you print the attached form and take it to your local post office, you can pick up your package and avoid penalties. The message might also include a link for more details.

Here’s the truth: the email is bogus and there is no package. And if you download the attachment or click on a link, you’re likely to end up with a virus or malware on your device.

Con artists often use the names and logos of familiar organizations to get under your guard. So how do you tell what’s legit and what’s a scam? Here are some ways to spot a bogus email:

  • It tells you to click on a link or download an attachment
  • It urges you to take immediate action
  • It asks you to “re-confirm” personal or financial information

Another sure sign an email is a scam? If you hover over the link in the email, it won’t show the official website of the supposed sender — in this case, the U.S. Postal Service website.

For more tips, check out our articles on phishing and malware. And if you have questions about a delivery by the U.S. Postal Service, visit usps.com or call 1-800-ASK-USPS.

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Ysiad
December 11, 2019
Hello, does anyone here have experienced a package being hold in Malaysian customs, the courier is United Morgan Express Logistics, asking for 300,000 Php for the payment of Royal Seal?
Rax
December 24, 2019

In reply to by Ysiad

I am one of the victims too. The package came from Syria to be delivered in the Philippines but the courier said it got hold by the Malaysian customs. I have been sending emails to the courier for almost a month and they want me to pay 300,000 pesos. I have been checking their site about the status of the package but just recently the site is no longer can be found. Too sad I was scammed by those people behind it!
Realt
October 03, 2020

In reply to by Rax

Hello, I'm having the same issue, may I know the name of the person who sent you package before and what is his profession?
Lyn23
October 27, 2020

In reply to by Realt

Hi i bother today because i recieve a message from global air cargo international to cangratiolate me that i have a a shipment package from united state of americA .and she message me and she said that all international payment has been paid,and she told me that we didnt have an idea if any local payment in our country.what can i do this package?pls advice me thankyou
maricel beljot
February 03, 2021

In reply to by Lyn23

can i ask if legit the waybill express? beacuse the guy said he sending money,and he get my email accnt..
franz
October 21, 2021

In reply to by Realt

helo im now experiencing that kind of shipping from Syria and she told she is a US military
Ricks
October 26, 2021

In reply to by franz

i am also experiencing this, somebody sent parcel from Syria and she told me she is under the US military camp, parcel was handled by Fast Express delivery, is this legit?
Logan Wolverine
December 11, 2021

In reply to by Ricks

That's also what I experienced today. I met a US military in Syria. He also explained a lot to me. That's why I believed him because he sent some luggage to the global logistic delivery company with a yellow tag package. Someone emailed me the logistics. link and took the shipment. in the evening they called me using the country code of LA california and confirmed that I would pay 20000 pesos for the custom fee .. Then I was a fool and paid, then someone texted me a number in the Philippines at the airport saying that the luggage arrived and I had to pay 46300 for the Money Laundering Certificate fee, I had second thoughts and I talked to my companions and said scam that is, I will call the sender if it is true, the sender called using the messenger videocall but we can't hear each other because the internet is forbidden in syria. now he called me using the country code number of north carolina and my friends even listened. they said it was legit so I sent 46300 again yesterday. now the agent sent again here in the philippines and they said they had to pay 72300 for the International Monitary Fund Certificate fee because the luggage is incomplete legal documents. only now did I find out about this. so I'm still riding the agent and said I'll be able to send it next week, it's ok. how can I get them to be arrested by the authorities, I have all their receipts, numbers and all of our conversation? I'll contact the fake agent. I'm used to helping thank you for me.
lena
December 14, 2021

In reply to by Ricks

same, someone from korea dm me and wants to send me a package right now should i block him?
Logan Wolverine
December 14, 2021

In reply to by Yoo

I also experienced that the name of the girl who contacted me from us army is Mori Linder Camara
Cj
April 10, 2021

In reply to by Ysiad

Did you ever receive your package? I also ordered online but now it says that malaysian customs need 200 dollars for it to be released
Didi
November 15, 2021

In reply to by Cj

Hey im facing the same issue as well. 250$. It was insane, and they claimed it was sent via xpress-usps but the website seems legit wt the tracking no given buy suspicious since i csnt click the menu button on the website. I guess this is a scam as well
Grace
September 23, 2021

In reply to by Ysiad

Am a victim too someone whom i consider to be my friend sent a gift tom from Malaysia, through the company called airfast delivery,but till now i receive many messages saying that i have to pay 3000$ to receive my package so am here to ask is airfast scammer or not
Ms24
December 12, 2019
Hi someone call me this morning and telling me that the package from US was already here in philillines and it was onhold in the costoms causw i need to pay the taxes and charges of the cargo box. Is a bluegate express cargo shipment a scam? And saying i need to pay 15,550 so that they will deliver the package if not, they will open it and never give the package. And the company address was in puerto prinsesa palawan and will send the money through cebuana.
Alona
January 17, 2020

In reply to by Ms24

My boss from US who is ny client send me home appliance form US to Philippines. And I got all the details and information of my package which is from the known shipping company abroad. Zippy courier express services. Upon tracked that it already arri ea here in the philippines, this people from the shipping partners are making money and afvised me that if I will make the payment today, then they wi deliver my package. But untill now, I did not received my consignment. Their office is also located in coron palawan. Tell me what will I need to do?
Yer
October 22, 2020

In reply to by Alona

My friend has already sent me baggage but I receive the message from VONAGE sent me a NON INSPECTION CLEARANCE FEE of $750 for complete screening and release of consignment ....Is this a scam???
justine
August 31, 2021

In reply to by Alona

I have the same situation. But have you heard of U-Cargo Delivery? They have my package held at customs and asked me to pay for the clearance fees. They stated that everything is REFUNDABLE upon delivery. I paid them $1290. Can someone help me?
Kiara Degz
February 28, 2020

In reply to by Ms24

I am experience that too...someone ive met in date app he said he was sending me clothing designed via bluegate express with complete docs and tracking number He said i need to track always the cargo in this website..www. blue gate xpress. com that i did so when i receive email from the bluegate in manila they said i need to pay 15,550 to erika d. isleta the officer for the clearance tax with the address to puerto prinsesa palawan...Is it true or scam
FTC Staff
February 28, 2020

In reply to by Kiara Degz

This could be a scam. The scammer says he will send a package, but really there is no package. The scammer wants to take your money, and he works with other people who ask you for taxes or fees. If you pay one time, they will ask you to pay again. You will lose money, but you won't get a package. 

Christy Excija
October 15, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

I met this guy in dating app, get to know each other, then later on he send me a package that he plans to do business here in the Philippines, today the company inform me via gmail that the cargo arrived and i need to pay 15,550 To mary rose kalaw lacsinto. Palawa Philippines. Through Cebuana . And thee company name is FIRTSLOGISTICS COURIER Sevices. I dont know why theres a person doing this.
Carol
February 10, 2021

In reply to by Vcab

Hi what is his name.I got some message that I have a package and I have to pay 15700 .I told them show me the boxes I give you the money they don't like
WTSAPP123
December 28, 2020

In reply to by Kiara Degz

Good day here is my experiences also in dating apps and will send a package for me via GENERAL SECURITY COURRIER.Then a delay of the shipment.on 28th just now The COURRIER services called me and asked me if I know name EMELDA Johnston.and I say yes,ok you must pay for the delivery worth 32500php I'm just curious about the number used to call me it's phillipines simcard access you must deposit the money through name JEWEL ROSE MURILLIO LOBREDO VIA BPI BANK ACCOUNT.SAD TO SAY I DID DEPOSIT THE SAID MONEY AND AFTER 15 MINUTES THEY SAY AND CALLED I MUST PAY FOR THE Taxes 41000php before deliver the package.So I stop sending money I knew it's already a scam.i am worry about the personal information I gave to them.name and address.when I check the internet Name JEWEL LOBREDO already have a Report Not to send money on that name.Then EMELDA urge me to do it follow the instructions and i never listen instead I delete the dating apps and her number.also I blocked the who are calling me.How do I report this kind of fraud.? Thank you for the support.
kools
January 06, 2021

In reply to by Ms24

hi,may I know the name of the sender of the package? because i also experience the same.
Don't use your…
February 16, 2021

In reply to by kools

The sender of mined was Mrs. Charllote Flores she said . I am the beneficiary of the package wich is in hold by global air cargo international...
Soulsearcher
August 11, 2021

In reply to by Don't use your…

Hi, i replied to this since its the most latest one, how about EASY FLEX INTERNATIONAL CARGO? IS IT LEGIT? I ALREADY EXHAUSTED GOOGLE SEARCHING BUT THE STATUS IS REALLY CHANGING.. IT IS REALLY SOUNDS TOOGOOD TO BE TRUE.
jo
August 26, 2021

In reply to by Soulsearcher

Someone name by Nicholas Georgiou said that he sent me gifts thru easy flex international cargo and then someone from the company representative sent an email said that i have to pay 17,000.00 pesos for clearances or tax clearance before the package delivery. its a scam!
jen
September 07, 2021

In reply to by jo

me too. someone said he sent me a gifts , hes name is Rocky Brently Tyson. and this easy flex message me that i have to pay 17,000 to release the package. its scam !
Joe
September 17, 2021

In reply to by jo

I have same situation of you right now. I have a parcel waiting for delivery. The guy named jack martin send me gifts with expensive items inside the box. The responsible courier is easy flexible international cargo, now the parcel arrived in mactan cebu, I received an email from that courier saying I need to pay 17k for the tax clearance and also the courier representative message me via sms to inform me that the item is on hold by the custom. I need to pay the tax clearance before they deliver to me the package. I called the representative that if its okay if I pay half of the tax then upon delivery to my home address I will pay the rest. They agreed, actually the parcel came from Greece and the representative here named Mylene Perez and Richelle Ducay Rodopa I'm not yet settle the payment. Then I read this, now I am so confused. And also waiting for the shipping receipt of the sender. Before I make a move.
Ella
October 28, 2021

In reply to by Joe

Hi, same situation someone send me gifts thru Easy flex cargo. I actually checked the tracking number on their website seems like legit. But I have to pay 17,000 for the clearance fee. I already paid of it, then I read this. Now I'm confused. If I will still complete the payment.
Leah_
October 21, 2021

In reply to by jo

I received an email that I have package from romania but in order to get the package, I need to pay an duty/clearance fee about $450. The name of the company is Prime Globe express service. Is this legit? They also send me a picture of receipt but there is no tracking number. The one who sent the package says to pay the fee to get his package for me. Is it true?
Efaneg
November 15, 2021

In reply to by Leah_

…I have also parcel from romania and until now its in the custom…the company prime globe express email me that i need to pay the custom clearance 600$ …i pay it and after they email me again that i need to pay 75,100 phil money because the custom hold my parcel that carrier a money …i pay it to be cleared to the custom and now they email me again that i need to pay 200k phil money because it was suspected as money laundering…but now i ask them if they will give me the reciept of custom for all the payments ive done …i dont know if this is really a scam…
Cody
November 04, 2021

In reply to by jo

hi is it legit? easy flexible int'l cargo? i have a package today and the company already email me and asking me to pay 18,000 pesos but i refuse because i already read some issue about sending package, is there anyone avail to chat if its okay if they deliver it then right after i will pay?
aliii
September 07, 2021

In reply to by Soulsearcher

Hiiii. Just wanna ask if you have some news about Easy Flex International Cargo? I have the same experience. Thank you
Missy marcos
November 03, 2021

In reply to by Soulsearcher

Ive got the same question, i am waiting for a package from this courier. After arriving at cebu city airport, someone sent me one email asking for 17,000 for costume tax and fees
Emg20
February 07, 2021

In reply to by Ms24

Did your package arrived when you send the money?
s_ggbts
July 30, 2021

In reply to by Ms24

Hi! I also have the same situation as you. Is this a scam?
Jane
December 14, 2019
Hi i just wqnt to ask if the fast travel and courrier services is legit because i have a man i meet in dateinasia and he said he send me a gift thru that company and they want me to pay 35, 000 pesos for the shipment fee.. i also check the address that they indicate in the email but its not there and they cannot found the tracking number how will i know if this is scam?
FTC Staff
December 23, 2019

In reply to by Jane

This sounds like a scam. This is how the scam usually works:

You meet someone online. He says he will send you a gift. But when the gift arrives, you must pay a fee to get the package.

Really, there is no gift. The person you met online is working with the fake courier service. They are trying to get your money. If you pay, they will take your money. There is no gift for you.

Nash
December 14, 2019
I was to receive a package from USA and when it arrived at the airport someone called me and told me that I need to pay a clearance fee of 12 thousand and am confused is this a scam or is it true???? Help me out am confused
FTC Staff
December 23, 2019

In reply to by Nash

This sounds like a scam. This is how the scam usually works:

You meet someone online. They offer to send you a gift or package. But when the package arrives, you must pay a fee or taxes to get the package.

Really, there is no package. The person you are chatting with online online is working with the fake courier service. They are trying to get your money. If you pay, they will take your money. There is no package for you.

Chaie
February 20, 2021

In reply to by FTC Staff

What if the sender if from the other country and sent me a airway bill and then the courier sent me an email that my package was already left and the arrival will be tomorrow, after the package arrived here in the Philippines someone or a filipina called that the package was in held because of the unsettled local charges which is $350 and I only need to pay for the remaining balance of $150 for that amount. Is this still a scam?
unk
July 14, 2021

In reply to by Chaie

I think I will be receiving parcel from US as well , as I was told need to pay local delivery charges before the customs can issues documents that will cover package down to my house doorsteps, it is a scamm ? Shipper is using Firststallionexpress, and the shipment details was like real.
jthompson274
December 23, 2019
I just received. This notification. Via SMS last delivery Notification for a WM shipment 966- XRTB- 854 at your work. Please Go. can 9931. com/2097d/ f64803 so we can Re deliver again on 12-17. From this number 1-928-222-0006
Lein
December 15, 2019
I also received an email same things that I read all the comments may I ask if zippy courier express services company is fake? My problem is I already pay some money it cost 55,000 php. I trace the tracking number of the cargo but it showing all the details may I ask if it is a scam please help me.
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