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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In reply to I meet a friend and we had by Nana
In reply to I meet a friend and we had by Nana
In reply to I also have the same senario by Daidz
Same scenario also he kept saying there is a money inside the box
In reply to I meet a friend and we had by Nana
In reply to I meet a friend and we had by Nana
Omg same with me. Is it legit? Did you try it ma'am?
In reply to I've recieved a message from by Ms.S17
In reply to Should I pay 20,000pesos for by maru23
Yes, it is possible the scammer is pretending to be "Customs." Scammers say you must pay "customs fees" or "taxes" or other charges. They want to get your money. They make phone calls or send texts to scare you. You can say No and block the scammer. They promise to send you money or gold or jewelry in the package, but really, there is no package. This is all a story to make you pay money.
In reply to Yes, it is possible the by FTC Staff
In reply to An online friend sent a by Shahid Hasan
This sounds like a scam. This is how the scam usually works:
You meet someone online. They offer to send you a gift or valuable package. But when the package arrives, you must pay a fee or taxes to get the package. If you pay one fee, they may ask for more money.
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.
In reply to This sounds like a scam. This by FTC Staff
In reply to I got same situation 6 yrs by Lisab
In reply to I got same situation 6 yrs by Lisab
In reply to Just want to ask if Leads by Scarlet
In reply to Same as me mam i also by Jane
In reply to Same experience! This guy I by Gaea
In reply to Hi, by Joygm
In reply to Same experience! This guy I by Gaea
In reply to Yes same experience! This guy by Jenny
In reply to Just want to ask if Leads by Scarlet
In reply to Just want to ask if Leads by Scarlet
In reply to Just want to ask if Leads by Scarlet
In reply to Same here, same company from by bob
same here he send me a packaged that full of things like gadgets and bag also jewerly but the next day they ask me to pay 15000 peso before he deliver my packaged so i blocked him his from london and name DANIEL CHEUNG
In reply to Just want to ask if Leads by Scarlet
In reply to Just want to ask if Leads by Scarlet
In reply to I stupidl said i would by Sandki
In reply to Someone send a parcel to me by Top22
In the US, the law says you don't have to pay for a package that you didn't ask for. If a company mails some merchandise to you, and you didn't ask for it, you can keep it. You don't have to pay for it. You don't have to pay for the mailing. This article explains the law.
In reply to Hello, please with what I by Genne
Please decide for yourself about paying a clearance fee.
Sometimes a scammer tricks a person. He says he will send you a package with valuable goods like money, gold or jewelry. Then, you are told to pay customs, tax, certificates or other clearance charges. Even if you pay the charges, you do not get a package. There is no package. This is a scam to get your money.
Sometimes a scammer does not tell you a package is coming. You might be chatting with someone online, and then you get a notice from a delivery company to pick up a package. Then, your chat mate asks you to pick up the package as a favor. This could also be a scam to get your money. Use your judgement about paying fees for a package you did not order.
In reply to Hello, please with what I by Genne
In reply to Hi by Bb
If you have been scammed, please report that to the consumer protection agency in your home country. You can ask your local consumer protection agency if the import license is legal.
In reply to Hi by Bb
In reply to I just did the same thing by Ukrscam?
In reply to I just did the same thing by Ukrscam?
In reply to I also receive a noticed that by Rose
In reply to I need your help. My friend by Shristi chhetri
In reply to Was this really a scam?? I am by Cinchang
In reply to Was this really a scam?? I am by Cinchang
In reply to I need your help. My friend by Shristi chhetri
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