Fake Package Delivery Email Scam (USPS / FedEx / UPS)
FTC and FCC both document package delivery phishing as the most reported text and email scam. USPS, FedEx, and UPS all officially state they never request payment or personal information via unsolicited email or text. August 2025: FCC documented a new tariff variant exploiting confusion around new customs rules.
Reports
FTC: #1 most reported text/email scam category 2024; FCC multiple active alerts 2025
First documented
2019
Last active
2026-03
⚠ This page documents a reported scam email pattern for educational purposes. Sources are cited for all statistics and claims. ZeroScam is not affiliated with the IRS, FTC, FBI, or any government agency.
What this scam email says
Emails impersonate USPS, FedEx, UPS, or DHL. Common pretexts: failed delivery attempt, address update needed, unpaid postage fee, package held in customs. 2025 variant: tariff payment required due to new import duty rules. All variants lead to fake carrier websites that steal credit cards and personal data.
What this scam email looks like
From: [email protected] Subject: Delivery exception — your parcel requires attention Delivery Notification Your package is on hold pending resolution of a delivery exception. Reason: Import duty / customs fee unpaid Fee amount: $2.89 Package held until: 48 hours [PAY FEE AND SCHEDULE REDELIVERY] Note: Failure to pay will result in package return to sender. Carrier Delivery Services delivery-carrier-notifications.com
Reconstructed example for educational purposes. Not a verbatim reproduction.
Known scam email subject lines in this pattern
- •Delivery exception — your parcel requires attention
- •Unable to complete delivery — fee required
- •Import duty payment required to release your shipment
- •Re-delivery scheduling required for your order
- •Delivery suspended — update your information
- •Your order is on hold — carrier notification
4 red flags
FTC: USPS never sends unsolicited texts or emails — only if you requested tracking
FCC: legitimate delivery companies never request payment via unsolicited email
Small fee ($0.30–$3.00) is designed to seem too minor to question
FCC August 2025: tariff variant exploits confusion about new customs rules
What to do
Always verify deliveries through official carrier apps — not email links
Report USPS: [email protected] | FedEx: [email protected] | UPS: [email protected] | DHL: [email protected]
Report to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) — all carriers
Report this email scam
Source
FCC official guide — package delivery scams; FTC consumer alert April 2025; USPS Postal Inspection Service; FCC August 2025 tariff variant
https://www.fcc.gov/how-identify-and-avoid-package-delivery-scams ↗Fake sender domains used in this scam
Scammers impersonate legitimate brands using these fraudulent domains. If you received an email from one of these, it is a scam.
Documented email subjects in this pattern
Related scam email patterns
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Fake Package Delivery Email Scam (USPS / FedEx / UPS)?▼
FTC and FCC both document package delivery phishing as the most reported text and email scam. USPS, FedEx, and UPS all officially state they never request payment or personal information via unsolicited email or text. August 2025: FCC documented a new tariff variant exploiting confusion around new customs rules.
How do I recognize a Fake Package Delivery Email Scam (USPS / FedEx / UPS)?▼
Red flags: FTC: USPS never sends unsolicited texts or emails — only if you requested tracking; FCC: legitimate delivery companies never request payment via unsolicited email; Small fee ($0.30–$3.00) is designed to seem too minor to question.
What should I do if I receive a Fake Package Delivery Email Scam (USPS / FedEx / UPS)?▼
Always verify deliveries through official carrier apps — not email links Report USPS: [email protected] | FedEx: [email protected] | UPS: [email protected] | DHL: [email protected] Report to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
How common is the Fake Package Delivery Email Scam (USPS / FedEx / UPS)?▼
FTC: #1 most reported text/email scam category 2024; FCC multiple active alerts 2025. First documented: 2019. Source: FCC official guide — package delivery scams; FTC consumer alert April 2025; USPS Postal Inspection Service; FCC August 2025 tariff variant.
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Check your email →Source: FCC official guide — package delivery scams; FTC consumer alert April 2025; USPS Postal Inspection Service; FCC August 2025 tariff variant
First documented: 2019 · Last active: 2026-03
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