Scammers rely on texts, QR codes, and our busy lives to pull off package delivery cons. Instead of clicking on that tracking link or verifying your account details with a supposed customer service rep, stop and confirm all is legitimate. The safest way to do that is to check your orders and messages directly on the carrier or shipper’s site or app.
During the 2025 holiday season, the United States Postal Service (USPS) delivered nine billion packages. In fact, the USPS reportedly processed 88 million packages per day during that time, which is more than the 60 million daily tally from the same period in 2024.
When you add in packages from UPS, FedEx, and other carriers, plus those from online retail giants like Amazon, there are so many deliveries zipping around during the holidays.
With so many legitimate deliveries in transit, scammers know fake shipping alerts are more likely to blend in and catch people off guard.
Package scam red flags
Package delivery scammers may reach out through text, email, or phone call. Specifically watch out for anyone or any business that contacts you about tracking a package, contacts you about a problem with a delivery or order, or delivers a package you didn’t order (especially if you don’t even know the sender).
Before you click on a link, scan a QR code, open an attachment, or return a call, pause and check whether the communication has any of these red flags:
Red flags in the request
The message says your package is stuck in customs or there’s an additional tariff fee; payment is needed to complete delivery.
You need to address an issue with your account and log in via their links.
You’re promised a free gift if you scan a corresponding QR code or fill out a survey.
You’re instructed to pay any shortfall in delivery fees via gift cards, wire transfer, or crypto.
You’re prompted to divulge (or enter) your login credentials, prove “you’re a human,” or verify personal information, like account numbers.
You’re told to share a verification PIN or passcode that goes to your phone or email.
Red flags in the sender
You weren’t expecting a package from this carrier, company, or person.
You didn’t opt in to receive text or email delivery updates.
They say they are a third-party carrier.
Red flags in the message
The URL is abbreviated, or it doesn’t match the carrier’s or the company’s actual address.
If you hover over the message links, the pop-up hyperlink doesn’t match the supposed sender.
The tracking number mentioned doesn’t match the one in your records.
You’re directed to download and open an attachment.
There are misspellings in the message or fine print.
Why are delivery scams so common?
They exploit holiday distractions. Scammers bank on the fact that we all have more on our plates than normal during the holidays. They also count on everyone getting a mix of expected and unexpected packages this time of year and that, as a result, we’re inundated with deliveries and related status updates.
They blend in with normal activity. With so many shipments moving through the system, delivery notifications don't seem out of place. A message about a delayed package, missed delivery, or tracking update can feel routine, even when it's fraudulent.
They use emotion to prompt action. Last, they know deliveries stir people up. We react with everything from excitement ("Who's it from?") to concern ("Will it be safe on the porch?") to stress ("Grandma won't get it on time!").
How to check if a delivery is legit or a scam
If you encounter any of the above red flags, pause. It’s time to verify the message.
A safer way is to check independently and directly via the carrier’s or vendor’s site. To do so, manually enter the group’s URL into a newly opened browser window or open their app. Log in to your account and check for messages. (If you don’t have an account, create one and enter any tracking numbers that were given to you.)
Remember, you can also call the supposed sender, but only use numbers from the company’s contact us listings.
Lastly, Allstate Identity Protection members can always contact one of our specialists to help tell the fakes from the real deals.
