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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.

Homeland protector
December 27, 2018

In reply to by Dmatthews

I just got one on my email a couple of days ago. I responded, let’s do it. A few days later they’re asking for a resume. I checked the company name online and it doesn’t exist or it comes back as a scam I hope you didn’t give them a resume with your full bio.
Candaceg08
January 16, 2019

In reply to by Dmatthews

I’ve been contact for this position as well, seems legitimate but I’m afraid it may not be. Can’t find anything yet that indicates it is a scam.
Ebui
January 29, 2019

In reply to by Dmatthews

Hi there. Yes, I was offered the same thing today and am researching to see if it’s legit. Did you work out for you or was it a scam?
VooDew
March 19, 2019

In reply to by Dmatthews

I received an email in regards to this on 2/9 and responded that I was interested but would not be able to start for a month as I was moving to a new state. The second email came on 3/13. I filled out their application and am currently waiting for a package to arrive, I got the tracking number for it yesterday. They say in the application process that you do not get paid for the first 5 packages as that is your test run to see how quickly you respond and mail them out. I'm concerned that it may be a scam but as I am not yet out any money I am not overly concerned about it. Once the package arrives and I have to spend out of pocket money to send it further then yes I will have concerns until I am at the very least reimbursed. We'll see how it goes and I will come back and update if and when I get to package number six when I am to be paid.
FTC Staff
March 19, 2019

In reply to by VooDew

According to the FBI, some scammers hire people to be a “correspondence manager” or “import/export specialist.” The scammers ask people to ship packages overseas. The packages you ship might containe items that were purchased online with a stolen credit cards, and sent to you so you could re-ship them.

If you gave the scammers your bank account information so they could “pay” you, contact your bank. If a scammer has your bank account number, he can take your money. If you gave out personal information, go to identitytheft.gov for tips about what to do.

alice2341
January 31, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this post, thank you for sharing. I rarely come across the article equally interesting and informative!
Curious 1234
February 04, 2019
I am wondering as well if FastDelivery4U is a scam as well. They were sending me emails saying I would be receiving packages soon to check over, print new shipping labels, and send back out. That was just about a month ago and have not heard anymore from them.
ramwm
December 23, 2019

In reply to by Curious 1234

Have you heard anything from them?, I have received an email from them and trying to accept the offer(re-packing blah blah), but wondering how legit are they. Thanks!
Don't do it
February 24, 2019
Yes SCAM , credit card fraud , identity THEFT !!!! After receiving packages several PayPal credit card info letters were sent to my address with other peoples names. It looks like away for them to steal other peoples identity with their ID, order items... Be careful freeze your credit or watch it if any of your personal info got out
Patti Douglas
August 06, 2019
Received a bogus USPS email today...below is the "from" email address and hoping the FTC could contact the Internet provider and shut it down. It is the typical "problem mail delivery" email scam. They're illegally using everything that looks legit except for the "from" extended email address. (p.s. Yes, am deleting right after sending this as a "heads up/FYI.") USPostalService (bryantk bryant626
Deanwak
March 19, 2019
Curious, have you heard anything from them yet? I received an email not too long ago saying they wanted to employ me. Debating on whether or not I should even go through with it.
broken angel
March 24, 2019
is DALPHAX EXPRESS WORLDWIDE LOGISTIC LTD is a scam?hope for the response, thank you.
simply janna
March 27, 2019
Good day! I would like to ask if the DALPHA EXPRESS WORLDWIDE LOGISTIC LTD is a scam, i received an email in this courier and they said that the package need clearance tax fee before i get it. It was amounting 17,500 and this is a really big amount. And i was asking the Agent Delivery where is there location here in Philippines so that i'll go directly to the office to take the package safely. Im really confusing about this, i'll waiting your feedback. Thank you
Fat girl
May 13, 2019
Hello,a new friend want to send me a gift,so i give him my addres and then i got a text from the delivery company tell me that the parcel have arrived to my country but i have to pay for clearance fee and import duties before the parcel can be send to me.Is it a scam?
FTC Staff
May 13, 2019

In reply to by Fat girl

That sounds like a scam. That person is probably not really sending you a package. He is running a scam with the "delivery company" to convince you to send money. If you send money for fees or import duties, they might ask you for more money. Even if you keep paying money, you won't get a package with anything valuable.

Jm
May 24, 2019
im expecting package from Italy Through Doorstep Express Delivery Service..They emailed me and said asking for my identity card to proceed the transaction and later after i reply they ask me yo oay 500$ for delivery charge,what should i do? but the senfer already told me that i have to pay delivery fee, im scared this a scam..but i tracked the tracking code it is existing.
AlnAdele
November 19, 2019

In reply to by Jm

Scam or not, if the value of the package is far less than $500 then obviously (to me anyway) just ignore it. If the value is 10 times $500 then you might want to pay it. But look at the website, copy it and paste to Google in inverted commas or your search engine with the word following ?scam . That will show you whether it is legit.
Abdul Wagied lewis
May 25, 2019
I need to know how do I send my details to post office to receive my delivery
Thudson
July 12, 2019
I received a call from 855-272-3424 about a delivery ! I believe it is a scam
Ejamson Success
July 29, 2019
A friend sent parcel through emirates shipping cargo, they sent massage today from their personnel that my parcel have arrived from London but I don't know how true it is .,the sender sent reference number too.
DavidJ
August 05, 2019
I just received not a delivery, but a call about a failed delivery to my cell phone. I answered the call and although they confirmed my number was the one they had on record to contact, the name they had paired with it which they read off was not anyone I was familiar with. After informing the live person on the other end that said person was not the owner of this phone number, there was an awkward 'umm, oops' moment before we said goodbye and ended the call.
Rhelicious
August 30, 2019
Hi I’m trying to see if RealParcel LLC is a scam or not I’ve been working for a month receiving serval boxes , shipping them out and today I was suppose to get paid 2800 for the month haven’t seen any of my money and now nobody is answering the phone . Has anyone heard of them before ?
Don'fiveftofsmiles
September 06, 2019
Just got a text message from phone number 205.255.1471 it started with my first name, then: "we attempted a delivery but missed you collect your package} here" then gave a link to click on. I did not of course but just be on aware of this one as well.
Mike's Wife
November 08, 2019

In reply to by Don'fiveftofsmiles

I received a similar text message from (240) 275-5527. It did not contain my name. Just this: "Our attempt to deliver package 8#ENQ-N was unsuccessful. A delivery advice with instruction is at your door. Track http:// rfgxs. info" I didn't recognize the tracking number or the link, so I did not click. Just wanted to warn the rest of you that email scams are now text message scams.
helpplz
September 16, 2019
I have a package company marked DISCREET OMG NOW IM ASKED TO PAY 400 DOLLARS TO RECEIVE AND GET A DELIVERY PERMIT IM NOT A COMPANY AND I HAVE NO MONEY IS TH IS A SCAM!? SAYS CUSTOMS WILL GO THROUGH PACKAGE BUT OK!!! THEY WOULDNT EMAIL RIGHT???
maya
September 30, 2019
Hello! I just received a text message informing me that a parcel from UK had arrived. But I need to pay a pricy cost for charges like taxes, delivery, etc. Fr Skyler delivery company. Is this a scam?
A naive guy?
February 20, 2020

In reply to by maya

Hi, what happened with your experience with the Skyler delivery company? I'm having an issue with them too... They're supposedly having this parcel from a US soldier in Iraq waiting there, but customs are to be paid, 2500 $!!!
Cj27
August 18, 2020

In reply to by A naive guy?

Hello i have also a chatmate from a dating site and an we contact thru email. He sent me yesterday a parcel. With loptop iphone ipad ring and a money inside . He gave me a link for a website and the tracking number as well but e didnt ask me money for shippent i track it and i saw it that hes the shipper and i am the reciever. It will be deliver on monday. And the payment satus there is cash. Is it a scam or not?
Zcoop
September 28, 2020

In reply to by Cj27

Omg we're the same now i am very nervous cause i don't know if its legit or not , please tell me what happened
Nokulunga
February 19, 2021

In reply to by Cj27

I also have the same problem i met this guy on Social media so his from London he sent me some things even the money inside the parcel.i was asked to pay R5000 but i deposited R2000 they said i must pay the full amount in order for me to get the parcel
gabby
March 31, 2021

In reply to by Nokulunga

omg i also had the same problem i met this guy on meef hes from England he live in Liverpool he said that he was traveling to Canada that day and he said that he had a surprise for me he send me some pictures of Rolex, iPhone, a lady bag, gold chain, and some of his clothes after he send them to one company named swift couriers co.uk he show me the paper that he paid for it so when he send me the package he text me and said that he put 10,000 dollars in the bag for me so the company only email me the number that there had doesn't even work there make me pay 1,800 for clearance and after i send the to someone in Philippians i waited for there response after that i see a next Emil from them saying that i need to pay 4,650 because there see some long amount of money in the bag after i sen that there come again and ask me to pay 8,500 for the other item that was already i there i ask them why there don't send me there phone number until now i am still waiting for there response there told me if i don't pay for clearance the police well put me in jail i want to know if that a scam or a fraud
Jera30
December 26, 2021

In reply to by gabby

Hello there, I got same problem like yours just last night he send me the items like yours, I want to know he's name can you please tell me he's name maybe this person is the same?
lovechenggay
April 22, 2021

In reply to by Nokulunga

I'v experienced the same. They asked for my identifiaction card, after I have snet it, they informed me that I need to pay $500 for customs fee and charges, if I failed they keep harssing me that police will come over to my place and will arrest me.
AA
July 19, 2021

In reply to by lovechenggay

I have also experience just now. They think they can fool me i know they are scammer so i pretend i dont know everything but when they i asked to py 400usd just to release the parcel i have suspected then that its true my instinct is right they are scammer. Said i wilk send thru gcash paymaya or remittance center but ofcourse i dit not agree. I will wait until they found out what ms inside the box if theres really a package then authority will just going to hand over it .
joan29
August 06, 2021

In reply to by Cj27

hi there same for me here, its IFSC,INTERNATONAL FOE SHIPPING AND CLEARANCE...same status with you, what shall we do???
Tata
August 24, 2021

In reply to by joan29

Hi there..same here.i got an email from us cargo n sent me the trucking # n the lady here asking me to pay 10000 pesos for the clearance fee for the down payment before they will deliver coz I need to pay 21,800 pesos.now,they're asking me again 45k for the penalty bcoz they found out that there's a money inside the package
ZzzzRC
September 20, 2020

In reply to by A naive guy?

May i know what happened with your experience? I'm having an issue similar to you, but from a different delivery company. But same scenario, they claim to have this parcel from a US soldier also in Iraq, but i was told i need to pay 400$.
Diana
October 06, 2019
Hi there, i received a email saying i have a 43kg parcel been arrived at Uk heathrow n now is in hold, this company who been delivery is Speed Courier International..Im not sure this webside is fake! Because once i check the parcel details for second time they said the tracking numb is invalid..And they keep sending email to me to ask for the payment..Before i tough is not a scam n i paid quite amoung n now still saying the total payme is £21000 to pay. Pls i need help
imransayyad199…
October 08, 2019
My order is not delivered but I received a delivery confirmation message
recio
October 25, 2019
i have aproblem with the package to be delivered they asking me money for the package to deliver it in my home address....do you think this is a scam..and they give me the bank account of the agent for him|or her to give clearance to deliver the pavkage
Charmaine
November 05, 2019
Trying to find out if Fast Trust Delivery Service is a legitimate company? They only have email listed for contact. No address. And they say package is being held up in Amsterdam Netherlands and 4,000.00 payment to customs. The package weighs a little over 28 lbs?
Nana
November 11, 2021

In reply to by Charmaine

I meet a friend and we had conversation almost 1 week and then he told me that he will send package ,he got my full name number and address ,and then he told me that he send thru Mediterranean shipping logistics and he gave me a tracking number ,I track the number looks like legit and then there's a expected delivery and then on that day I rcve an email frm Mediterranean shipping logistics that since the package inside is valuable things the hold the package and I need to pay 18,000 I got message to diff person aswell asking this money since the package arrives in Philippines frm united kingdom is it scam or legit
Jose
December 21, 2021

In reply to by Nana

I have a recent person who is interested in me from ohio and he told his friend from UK to send a parcel for me. The courier company ks Xpress courier uk. Im not sure if its a legit company. Tracking number is kinda legit. Tracking histories are also legit. Not it was held in spain and needed a non-inspection clearance certificate and i have to pay $500 or else they inspect it. Now my lover told me that they will held it if no clearance be shown. He's into crypto and trading is low that he cant pay the charges. I am starting to have doubts. There is the name of the secretary that I need to pay, Angela Clair Downes from reading uk. I tried to search for the person but it doesnt show. My loves insisting me to pay it or else his efforts will be gone because he has to pay for another shipping for it to come back. What should I do?