"Your USPS Package Is Being Held" Scam Email
Scam email subject line
Your package is being held — update delivery preferences
Known variants
USPS: delivery attempt failed — reschedule now
Action required: unpaid postage fee for your shipment
Your package is stuck in customs — tariff payment required
USPS: unable to deliver — address confirmation needed
FedEx: your shipment requires attention
UPS: your package could not be delivered
FTC and FCC document package delivery emails as the #1 most reported text/email scam. In August 2025, FCC documented a new variant exploiting tariff confusion — emails claim your package is 'stuck in customs' and you owe a tariff before delivery. USPS, FedEx, and UPS all state they never request payment or personal information through unsolicited email.
Reports
FTC: #1 most reported text scam category 2024; FCC documented August 2025 tariff variant
First documented
2020
Last active
2026-03
⚠ Email subject lines can be spoofed or randomized. Scammers frequently vary subject lines to evade spam filters. This page documents a subject line pattern reported to official government agencies. It is not a factual determination about any specific sender. Contact [email protected] if you believe your organization is listed in error.
Who this email pretends to be from
What this scam email says
Email appears to come from USPS, FedEx, or UPS with official branding. Claims a delivery attempt failed, an address needs confirmation, or a small fee ($0.30–$3.00) is required to release the package. Contains a link to a fake carrier website that steals your credit card details and personal information. August 2025 variant: claims your package is 'stuck in customs' and you owe a tariff (exploiting new de minimus tariff rules that took effect August 2025).
What this scam email looks like
From: [email protected] Subject: Your package is being held — update delivery preferences USPS Delivery Notification We were unable to deliver your package today. Tracking #: 9400111899223974793910 Reason: Insufficient postage / address update required. A small redelivery fee of $0.30 is required to release your package. [UPDATE DELIVERY AND PAY FEE] Note: Your package will be returned to sender after 48 hours. United States Postal Service usps-delivery-confirm.com
Reconstructed example for educational purposes. Not a verbatim reproduction.
Scam email subject line variants
- •Your package is being held — update delivery preferences
- •USPS: delivery attempt failed — reschedule now
- •Action required: unpaid postage fee for your shipment
- •Your package is stuck in customs — tariff payment required
- •FedEx: your shipment requires attention
- •UPS: your package could not be delivered
5 red flags
FCC: USPS, FedEx, and UPS do not seek payment via unsolicited email — ever
FTC April 2025: USPS will not send texts or emails unless you specifically requested tracking for that shipment
FCC August 2025: new tariff variant exploits consumer confusion about new customs rules
Legitimate delivery services never include payment links for fee collection in unsolicited emails
The small fee amount ($0.30–$3.00) is designed to seem too small to question
What to do
Do not click any link — verify your package via the carrier's official app or website
Report fake USPS emails to [email protected]
Report fake FedEx emails to [email protected]
Report fake UPS emails to [email protected]
Report to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Report this email scam
Source
FCC official consumer guide — package delivery scams; FTC consumer alert April 2025 — fake USPS texts; USPS Inspection Service [email protected] official reporting; FCC August 2025 tariff variant alert
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.
Related scam email patterns
People also search for
Frequently asked questions
Is an email with subject "Your package is being held — update delivery preferences" a scam?▼
FTC and FCC document package delivery emails as the #1 most reported text/email scam. In August 2025, FCC documented a new variant exploiting tariff confusion — emails claim your package is 'stuck in customs' and you owe a tariff before delivery. USPS, FedEx, and UPS all state they never request payment or personal information through unsolicited email.
What does this scam email say?▼
Email appears to come from USPS, FedEx, or UPS with official branding. Claims a delivery attempt failed, an address needs confirmation, or a small fee ($0.30–$3.00) is required to release the package. Contains a link to a fake carrier website that steals your credit card details and personal informa…
What should I do if I received this email?▼
Do not click any link — verify your package via the carrier's official app or website Report fake USPS emails to [email protected] Report fake FedEx emails to [email protected]
Who does this email pretend to be from?▼
This scam impersonates: USPS, United States Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, DHL, Amazon Logistics. FCC: USPS, FedEx, and UPS do not seek payment via unsolicited email — ever
Received a suspicious email?
Paste the email text or subject line — check it instantly, free.
Check your email →Source: FCC official consumer guide — package delivery scams; FTC consumer alert April 2025 — fake USPS texts; USPS Inspection Service [email protected] official reporting; FCC August 2025 tariff variant alert
First documented: 2020 · Last active: 2026-03
← Scam message database