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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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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.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
  • We won’t post comments that include vulgar messages, personal attacks by name, or offensive terms that target specific people or groups.
  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

Hazel
September 15, 2020
I am familiar with these types of scams, I never fall for something for nothing. If I didn't order anything, I don't expect anything, it's just that simple.
Sunshine
September 16, 2020
Thank you for posting about this but I see everyone is talking just about emails these scammers are also doing it by text I get 1 sometimes 2 a week. Luckily I know its a scam but my 82 year old mother in leraw at first didn't know until I told her I get the same thing Thank you again there was part of it I didn't know
Discerningcitizen67
October 27, 2020
I got 3 text messages and a call from the fake FBI threatening ... I have been shopping with Amazon... and most of them have been trusting .... But I think this should be investigated some more.. This is what it looks like nenaicongerme4382@ paznfailingkj4899@ rositamriddlesin8054@
zodiacleo468
October 27, 2020
Hello , I been talking the guy in 2 months now and he said if I keep secret coz he want me to send money through box he said big money I said to him noooooo I don't need your money sorry ,but we exchanging our email ,phone number and address so he said I want to send my box to your address since I don't have family in texas my mom died my wife died and dad but I keep refusing what he told me .Then next day he called me on hangouts app he said he went to post to sent his box to my address I said why you did that t I don't want your box...he said I want to get my box from you when I am going home to texas next month October he said want to retire coz he's working in kabul afghanistan as US General military so he called me today he sent already the name of company is Universal Links Logistic. Tracking Number is 01259178LK. He said to open the link and track the code or number so I click the link it says the box on hold in the Philippines ....he said to me if he lost his box he can kill me I So I am scared of what he told me . He said he want to come to my address place next month October to meet me and to get his box... my questions is do I need to report this to police and do I need to change my bank card ? Coz I open the link of company logistic and tracking his box....he threaten me to kill if lost his box what a scared word to me....so please I need your help what can I do this ....I don't know if he is true to come my place or not .Do I need to block him coz we are still talking as of today ...he said he loved me so much so what can I do now ? Please need your help asap...thank you I am waiting your advise ...
Stupid Me!!
November 05, 2020
I got this email, now reading these comments....I am so stupid and fail for this. I already paid over $10000.00. Is this a scam and if so am I able to get my money back? From: info @f irstdispatchcourier. Date: September 14, 2020 at 4:36:39 AM PDT To: Subject: IMPORTANT AND URGENT NOTICE ATTENTION: This is CBP senior agent Dana Fege Diplomat in charge to deliver your parcel (1 Box) to you, it has been brought to my notice that DHS clearance tag has been obtained for your box. but we have a problem here, after your luggage with the clearance tag obtained, i gave an order to my unit that the box should be scanned due to the weight of the box and the recent thread in movement of Terrorist funds and equipment/Money laundry. it was confirmed that the box do not have a Money Laundry/ Terrorist Certificate and also MILITARY WAVER enabling special and private military express delivery from the airport to your house as a special Military consignment sent from Syria/ Afghanistan unit. The New york custom Authority have confiscated your box and taken the order number of the parcel and backup document which bears your name and contact info as the beneficiary/ reciever of the parcel,and ypu will be duly contacted by our head office regarding this problem and you will be given more advice/ information on what to do.since we are able to only carry out a scan on your boxes and cannot inspect them because of the conditions and tags on the box. Therefore you are requested to come down here with the Money laundry/Terrorist Certificate to get your parcel released and a MILITARY WAVER for express delivery to your location. If the sender of the parcel is a busy person and can not come to New york the required Money Laundry/Military certificate and MILITARY WAVER can be purchased here in Seoul at the money laundry department and you are also required to send a scanned copy of the senders ID card (PHAN NGUYEN) for confirmation. it will be easier and safer for you before your box will be scanned and inspected by another clearance unit this will help me clear and release the luggage without any further inspection since the luggage has a seal. you are required to purchase the needed document urgently, to enable us proceed with the release and delivery of your luggage to you at you home address in ASAP, or we will be forced to break the seal. Below is the required charges for the requested missing documents. Money Laundry/Terrorist Certificate: $15,000 Military Waver :$7,000 Processing Fee: $3,500 Total:$25,500 (Twenty-five thousand five hundred dollars only) This is a serious issue now, and you will have to respond urgently to me, you have a good opportunity right now before things gets out of hand. regards CBP Dana fege Director Federal protective service. Management
FTC Staff
November 05, 2020

In reply to by Stupid Me!!

This sounds like a scam. This is how it might happen. You meet someone online and they offer to send you a gift or package. But when the package arrives, you get an unexpected call, email or text  from a "courier" or "customs agent" or other authority, who says you must pay fees to get the package.

This happens when the person you are chatting with online is cooperating with the fake "courier," "customs agent" or authority. They are working together to get your money. If you pay, they will keep your money. They might ask for more money. They're running a scam to take your money, and there is no package.

Please report this to www.ReportFraud.FTC.gov. If you sent money by wire transfer, report it to the wire transfer company. If you used you bank account to transfer funds, talk with someone at your bank about how to protect your account. 

Jho
September 24, 2020
Lately my father was receiving a chat messages from a Lady Army in America, she said she was looking for a person who can she trust. And then she said to my father that she's going to send us a parcel with a lot of money inside. Then she sent a photo of parcel and the receipt for the private fee of the parcel. And now the Diplomat of the Agency asking for Postal Clearance and the amount was $500, then my father send them the money. And now they asking for money again worth of $1100 , should we send a money? Give me some advice
FTC Staff
October 22, 2020

In reply to by Jho

This sounds like a scam. This is how it might happen. You meet someone online. They ask to send you a gift or package. But when the package arrives, a fake official like this "Diplomat" says you must pay a fee or taxes to get the package. The person you are chatting with online is cooperating with the pretend "Diplomat." They are working together to get your money. If you pay, they will keep your money.

Pich.
September 24, 2020
This is a Scam. You have a parcel from Williams Roy sent through Cargo Parcel delivery service . Your parcel and consignment has arrived, and you are required to pay $1000 for postage import duty, Tax, Overweight and local charge, Before delivery, this payment need to be made Quick so that we can continue with the process of your delivery ma’ma Thank you for choosing Cargo parcel delivery service We are always here to serve you better Whatsapp +62 877 1218 1854 Dispatching Agent. Muah Adriansinjt Cargo parcel Asia Service Point Thank you for choosing CARGO PARCEL DELIVERY SERVICE We are always here to serve you better Please beware these numbers WhatsApp: 44 753 129603 Cargo : 62 877 1218 1854
Mynameisnotmorgan
September 27, 2020
Morgan, urgent alert about the USPS delivery 1L68L7 from 04/26/2020. Proceed to sr3t.info/4jKfhkkskv Got this. Pretty sure it’s a scam. Anyone else seen something like this recently?
Evena
September 27, 2020
I think it will be important for every woman who went through those situations to write down the name of the scammers where they met them and what did they told u .I did not give money but i think a lot of things seems weird like they are taking advantage of vulnerable women and women who are really have a need to feel loved to be treated as a queen .They call u honey sweet heart baby U feel loved .That is how they get women .One told me he bought me gifts ring watch gold chain etc . i received email with tracking number it seems real but i said wait a minute .i should not receive message saying things on hold .Stupid me i try to pay but a woman who studied law told me go home and check better business viewer and i told that man if u want me to receive the package u send me money i will pay this company .
Pamfie21
October 22, 2020
Hi i am ald-rhizal i have package arrive just this morning from my social media friend, a package is a family items. Then the company ask me to pay first the bill worth $250 in pesos it cause 2, 250 pesos. And ask me to send it via cebuana remitance. Is the a modus or it is a true transaction
dee
September 29, 2020
anyone know about EXPRESS COURIER LIMITED ? they sad that my parcel was arrived at Manila september 29, and the woman called to me that in order to receive my parcel is i have to pay it for 50,000.00 and my parcel is a classified private parcel.. how could it true ? please..
AnonH
September 30, 2020
Received a text from a NY number. "Brook, final notice for your USPS shipment 3S5F7 from 04/24/2020. then a weird link. has to be a scam because I am not Brook, and I have never seen a shipment number that short in my life.
Don't use your…
September 30, 2020
I Got a text from this number: 1(646)78-1839 From : Jordan Wheeler This is a message from USPS (United States Postal Service) with regards to a missed delivery. Read here: (link) xh07c.com/lWjdawkDxE
Ccarmen
October 01, 2020
I was wondering is MRW Express Delivery Express a legit company.
ReportTheScam
October 01, 2020
Package Delivery Scam is now sending text to your phone, I got one like this: Sabdiq Ali, final notification for your usps shipemnt 5F67B9 from 09/25/2020. Go to: b1nq.info/wabF81uZad (a link the scammer wanted you to click, quite stupid of this scammer!)
CMB
October 06, 2020
Does anyone have experience with Global Security Company, Special Diplomatic Tags on luggage or GSCompany? I am waiting for a package and i received an email that has too many red flags.
Mayann
October 04, 2020
My boyfriend sent me package but he told me that he forgot the shipping fees .and the compnay email me that i need to pay $2,350 to process the package.inside the package he told me have money $25,000 gold, documents for the military and clothes bar gold.money is alowed in the package? He is u.s marine but he told me he asigned in afghanistan thats why he didnt use phone only hangout.but he call me and video call sometimes only i know him 2 weeks This is scam ? Hello madam, welcome to Hero Express logistics and thanks for verifying yourself .We will notify you soon on how the delivery process of your package will be. Thanks for your cooperation... we are here to serve you better... Hello ----. this is to inform you that the delivery process and procedure of your package has been processed and is now ready for delivery to be made at once to your home Address ( ------- . But miss you have to understand that you have to make a payment of $2,350 USD so that the delivery of your package commence immediately. The above mentioned payment is for the processing and delivery of your package and it is expect to be made Asap before the delivery of your package can commence. You are to notify us for account information to enable you make the payment. Thanks for your cooperation... We are here to serve you better...
David Woolrage…
October 30, 2020
David Woolrage and we had a package with 2 lanterns and a cheap bracelet in a box with invoice for $32.00. I TOOK IT TO THE POST OFFICE AND IT COST ME $15,50 AND I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT COST that much to send it back to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THERE GOES MY Spending MONEY AS WE ARE RETIRED AND LIVING ON A FIXED BUDGET!!!!!!! IF I COULD OF USED IT I WOULD OF PAID BUT I HAVE NO USE FOR 2 TINY LANTERNS!!!!!! MY ELKS WILL GET A KICK OF OF THAT AT OUR TUESDAY MEETING. Not at all!!!!!!!!!! DAVID WOOLRAGE PACKAGE SHOULD ARRIVE TUESDAY IN ST CLOUD, MN, BRACELET AS WELL!!!!!!!! ANNOYED IN CALIFORNIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ann1981
October 06, 2020
My daughter have a chatmate... And he is an US navy.. He message my daughter that have gift Box he sent it aer logistic. He said to my daughter open the link to confirm. HE ALSO GIVE THE TRACKING NUMBER OF THAT CARGO. IT THINK HE IS SCAMMER... ALSO.
wedababy
October 08, 2020
Please I really need your advice on this issue, the guy I have been chatting with says he is a us military in Dubai on peace keeping mission, we have been talking for months now. He said he has send a package to with wadi al-falah marine cargo and that I should pay $100 before the package can be delivered to me and when I refused to pay unless I see the package he got angry with me and says it took him a lot to send the package and that I have to pay. I want to know if he is a scammer. Already he make me invest money on some business and I have not gotten my commission yet. Please tell me what to do
FTC Staff
October 22, 2020

In reply to by wedababy

This sounds like a scam. This is how it might happen. You meet someone online. They ask to send you a gift or package. But when the package arrives, an official says you must pay a fee or taxes to get the package. The person you are chatting with online is cooperating with the official. They are working together to get your money. If you pay, they will keep your money.

Rhose
October 08, 2020
i already experience that situation to me.. they email me that my parcel was hold because my sender didnt pay the tax of parcel.. is this scam?
Rhose
October 09, 2020
Is this scammer, DONALD WALTER? he told that he send via AZ express delivery
Don't use your…
October 09, 2020

In reply to by Rhose

ROSE IS DONALD WALTER,TOLD YOU ALSO THAT HE GOING TO SEND YOU A GIFT.DID HE SEND YOU THE TRUCKING NUMBER??
martina
October 09, 2020

In reply to by Rhose

Rose,where did you meet WALTER DONALD.Same person who i meet in dating site and he said he has a package for me now i need to pay 15000php for tax and clearance,35,000 for certificate of money loundering,and another 70000 for aviation but i did not pay full.
Rose
October 28, 2020

In reply to by martina

I have meet someone on dating site i think were the same that man told me that his a military a command officer he told me that he will send a gift for me before he go in syria then few days after an airlines company texted me that my parcel is already arrived and i need to fee the charges for 7500 then after they scan they also asked me to pay 28,550 for the anti money laundering certificate or legal certificate his name is BRANDON GIUFFRIDA
Don't use your…
October 09, 2020
Hello good evening,i just want to ask if a-z express delivery is a legit courrier. A friend of mine is sending me gift but he put a cash on it when the scan the package they found out that theres a money inside,they make me pay 35,000php for money loundering certificate and now another 70 000 php for Aviation..PLEASE help me..when i track the parcel it says that its on hold in CUSTOM.How do i know if it is really on hold in CUSTOM.PLEASE HELP ME
FTC Staff
October 22, 2020

In reply to by Don't use your…

This sounds like a scam. This is how it might happen. You meet someone online. They ask to send you a gift or package. But when the package arrives, a “Customs” official says you must pay a fee or taxes to get the package. The person you are chatting with online is cooperating with the fake “Customs” person. They are working together to get your money. If you pay, they will keep your money.

Hrtbrkn
October 09, 2020
Does anyone of you have experience in postexpressdelivery.com? Have a tracking number but still doubts coz like anyone here, they ask money for clearance fee.
Maaama17
October 22, 2020
A person from uk, he said he is a well professional job and he want my friendship, and he told that he sent some of jewelry and small amount money(their country currency) as a gift to me from Fast British courier ( logistic pro company ), he send tracking id and receipt also, and he also said 20, 000 rupees were charged for clearances, i checked that tracking id it shows some information, is it faith can i receive it? Or to pay clearance?
Misssy
October 11, 2020
Hy my parcel sender is from london he used XL baggage to courier my gifts what I'd like to know is why did the doorstep delivery asked that I have to pay 2200 for a customer service fee I stay in mpumalanga but my parcel arrived in cape Town international Airport I don't knw if it's a scam or its real they called me in the morning to tell me that my parcel has arrived
i am geneva
October 11, 2020
hi am checking on Linxprint Global Logistics, do they really exist? got on their "website" but it looks so untrusty. anyone?
Jhem
October 12, 2020
I have recve an email that I have a delivery lots of items but I didn't order it... What will I do for this... Please help me..
JAB1465
October 12, 2020
Hi I recieved a text message from 70273 saying my parcel is at my local shop and it needs collecting today, it came with a link to click on which I'm not going to click on because I'm not expecting a parcel
Don't use your…
October 12, 2020
i have massages Hello! Jerry M Aducal, " You'll receive your order from "HANDLES PRO COMPANY/FLYPOST COMPANY". Thanks
EMerson
October 14, 2020
Hi I want to ask if this is scam I meet a girl in FB and she says a soldier in syra and she send me a worldwide diplomatic package through XL LOGISTICS contains money it use for our future family and it arrives here in PH last Oct 10 2020 and the agent called me to pay 15000 for custom charges before realising the package but I did not yet pay it I'm calling the agent but she's not answering I only ask where to pay the custom she said cebuana or mluehier through text and I'm trying to track the using the XL LOGISTICS tracking site but it says the no tracks found kindly reply ASAP
MyFatherReceiv…
February 09, 2021

In reply to by EMerson

I also got that one too and says she's a soldier. Are we scammed?
ndabilla joe
October 16, 2020
Am encountering similar thing now..my is that, they sent the package with money in it and they are calling me for payment of clearance and penalty. They even sent to me the receipt of the package with the reference number but still I don't trust the process.... they call me saying that it arrived and I said okay I will visit them in their office just to hear from them saying it's on delivery and I can't come to the office... how possible? Can someone tell me the length of reference number? I ignored the number that called me and I went online picked more than 5 express post number.. and when I call they will ask of my reference number for verification and all is in line telling me the same thing with different voice and am now confused....any advice?
FTC Staff
October 22, 2020

In reply to by ndabilla joe

This sounds like a scam. This is how it might happen. You meet someone online. They ask to send you a gift or package. But when the package arrives, a “Customs” official says you must pay a fee or taxes to get the package. The person you are chatting with online is cooperating with the fake “Customs” person. They are working together to get your money. If you pay, they will keep your money.

Lisa
October 16, 2020
While reading the comments Im so saddened that they have scammed so many people already. I am also a victim. Until now the scammer still wants to communicate with me just because I told him I have many money. I tried to gain his trust and I ask him to videocall with me. Just so that I can capture his face. I actually made him log in my instagram account and for that reason I traced his real location and screenshot everything I can use as evidence. These scammers are from Nigeria. Lagos, Nigeria to be exact. No wonder the time difference doesnt make sense when he told me he is from USA. If you guys heard try searching Nigerian Scam. Please report these numbers and cargo services. I really hope these people will go to jail.
Lierajean
October 16, 2020
Can I ask her I received txt last night why I need to pay 20,000 pesos for the package
Cristina
October 18, 2020
Hi the bf of my mother send an email that the package are in the Philippines already and then the Atlantic is the courier they told my mom that we need to pay 19800 for that for administrative taxes I have the tracking num. Here and they told my mom the reason for the package to be on hold is because they pay a taxes on custom is that true?
FTC Staff
October 22, 2020

In reply to by Cristina

This sounds like a scam. This is how it might happen. You meet someone online. They ask to send you a gift or package. But when the package arrives, a “Customs” official says you must pay a fee or taxes to get the package. The person you are chatting with online is cooperating with the fake “Customs” person. They are working together to get your money. If you pay, they will keep your money.

jha
October 18, 2020
Hello good day I have man meet the dating site and. We chat or email 1month ago and he offered me a gift. Then he said I give my all information. Then the gift arrive last day but onlhold the custom need to pay . 15,700pesos . The name of the company it’s AERLOGESTICS IF ITS TRUE OR SCAM.
FTC Staff
October 22, 2020

In reply to by jha

This sounds like a scam. This is how it might happen. You meet someone online. They ask to send you a gift or package. But when the package arrives, a “Customs” official says you must pay a fee or taxes to get the package. The person you are chatting with online is cooperating with the fake “Customs” person. They are working together to get your money. If you pay, they will keep your money.

Rose
October 28, 2020

In reply to by jha

I meet someone and he send his gift in ACERLOGISTICS COMPANY and it turns out that its a scam they asked me to pay the 25,000 if i wont send the payment they will charge something to me and i got afraid so i pay the 25,000 and they're asking for 65,000 for the legal certificate cause there is a big amount inside the package the name of that man is GREEN WALCORT BILL he said his an engineer beware of this man .
Kat
March 23, 2021

In reply to by Rose

Hi we have a same situation. me i know who this man is. if you can send me his picture pls.
Aprlmy
October 27, 2020
I received a call from this morning saying i have a package from the person i talk online we dont know each other personally we talk thru email and he send me a package and the tracking # as well and i saw there is., it was on hold right now i need to pay 18,700 pesos for the tax, and i dont know if this is legit or scam.. How can i be sure? This is the courier link pedcargo. com/ en
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