Fake USPS, FedEx, and toll texts about a “delivery problem.”
"USPS: Your package is on hold due to an incomplete address. Confirm here." It's the most-reported scam text in America, because it works: everyone is waiting for something. The fake fee is tiny — a dollar or two — but the card number you enter to pay it is the real prize.
The same template powers fake toll-road bills (E-ZPass, SunPass), customs fees, and re-delivery charges. Small dollar amounts keep victims from thinking twice, and the checkout page harvests the full card.
How the scam works
1
The notice
A text or email about a held package, failed delivery, or unpaid toll — with a link to fix it.
2
The lookalike site
A convincing USPS/FedEx/toll page asks you to confirm your address and pay a small fee.
3
The harvest
The 'fee' form captures your card number, expiration, CVC, and address — everything needed to charge or clone the card.
4
The drain
Charges start small to test the card, then escalate. Some sites also enroll you in fake subscriptions billed monthly.
Red flags to watch for
!
USPS never texts links
USPS doesn't send unsolicited tracking texts with links — only replies if you signed up for a specific tracking number. Toll agencies bill by mail or through your registered app.
!
A fee to release a package
Carriers collect duties through formal channels, not $1.99 card payments on a linked page.
!
The tracking number doesn't work on the real site
Type usps.com yourself and check. Fake notices use numbers that don't exist.
!
Odd sender
Random phone numbers, foreign country codes, or email addresses with no relation to the carrier.
!
Slightly wrong domain
usps-delivery-fix.com, fedex.package-hold.net — the real brand never lives on those domains.
What to do
✓
Check the real tracking
Go directly to the carrier's site or app and enter your actual tracking numbers. Waiting on something? It'll be there.
✓
If you entered card details
Call your bank now, kill the card, and watch statements for small test charges followed by big ones.
✓
Report the text
Forward to 7726 (SPAM). USPS-specific fakes can also go to spam@uspis.gov.
✓
Look up the sender on Scambook
Search the number that texted you — delivery-scam campaigns generate heavy report volume fast.
Frequently asked questions
I'm actually expecting a package. How do I check safely?
Never through the text. Open the carrier's real app or type the site address yourself and use your original tracking number from the retailer's order confirmation.
I paid the small fee. Is losing $1.99 the end of it?
Unfortunately no — the fee was a card-harvesting form. Treat the card as compromised and have your bank replace it before real charges land.
Why did the text say a toll road I actually drive on?
Volume and luck: these campaigns blast entire area codes with region-appropriate toll brands. Confirm any real balance in your toll app or account directly.
Scambook