Canada Post scam texts: how to spot a fake

Scammers copy Canada Post because millions of people use it. Here's how to tell a fake Canada Post message from a real one, and what to do if you already clicked.

In short

Canada Post says it will never text you or send unsolicited email asking for card or banking details, login details, or payment to track or release a delivery. It does not charge you to track or release a delivery.

Most common fake: Package held in a warehouse, confirm a small payment to deliver it.

Safest check: Enter your tracking number yourself at canadapost-postescanada.ca.

Example · fake Canada Post messageIllustrative, links disabled
Canada Post: Your package is held at our warehouse awaiting delivery. Confirm payment of 1.99 CAD to schedule it: canadapost-delivery[.]top/pay
An example fake Canada Post message with the warning signs highlighted.

What Canada Post says

Canada Post says it will never text you or send unsolicited email asking for card or banking details, login details, or payment to track or release a delivery. It does not charge you to track or release a delivery. Source: Canada Post

Common fake Canada Post messages

  • Package held in a warehouse, confirm a small payment to deliver it
  • Link to arrange delivery of a package
  • Reward offered as an apology for a bad delivery experience
  • Social media giveaway of phones that only asks for a shipping fee

Canada Post's real web addresses

Genuine Canada Post links and emails use these domains. Look at the part just before the first single slash: canadapost-postescanada.ca is real, but canadapost-postescanada-support-center.com or canadapost-postescanada.ca.account-check.top are not.

  • canadapost-postescanada.ca
  • canadapost.ca

Scammers can also hide a fake link behind real-looking text. Learn how to read a web address.

How to check a Canada Post message safely

  1. Enter your tracking number yourself at canadapost-postescanada.ca
  2. Genuine Canada Post texts come only from the short codes and numbers listed on its support page
  3. Canada Post leaves a delivery notice card at your door rather than sending unsolicited emails
  4. Contact Canada Post directly through its website if unsure

How to report a fake Canada Post message

Also report it to the official fraud service in your country. See the worldwide list.

If you clicked, paid or shared details

Act quickly. It makes a difference.

  1. If you entered card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card, and ask them to block the card.
  2. If you entered a password, change it on the real Canada Post website or app and turn on two-step verification.
  3. Expect follow-up calls or messages pretending to help. Never share one-time codes or move money to a "safe account".
  4. Report the scam, then delete the message.

More help: Fake delivery texts and customs-fee scams and what to do after a scam.

Questions people ask

Does Canada Post send messages asking for payment or personal details?

Canada Post says it will never text you or send unsolicited email asking for card or banking details, login details, or payment to track or release a delivery. It does not charge you to track or release a delivery.

How can I check if a Canada Post message is real?

Enter your tracking number yourself at canadapost-postescanada.ca. Genuine Canada Post texts come only from the short codes and numbers listed on its support page. Canada Post leaves a delivery notice card at your door rather than sending unsolicited emails. Contact Canada Post directly through its website if unsure.

How do I report a fake Canada Post message?

Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM). Report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by phone.

I clicked a link in a fake Canada Post message. What should I do?

Don't enter anything else. If you typed card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card. If you entered a password, change it on the real website and turn on two-step verification. Then report the message and delete it.

Official sources and further reading

We check our pages against official advice from the organisations themselves and from government agencies.