FedEx scam texts: how to spot a fake

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

In short

FedEx says it does not ask for payment or personal information in exchange for releasing a package, and does not request account details by unsolicited mail, email or text. It may send secure links to pay duties and taxes on international shipments, which you can check with the FedEx Import Tool.

Most common fake: Text with a tracking code asking you to set delivery preferences.

Safest check: Enter your tracking number yourself at fedex.com/en-us/tracking.html.

Example · fake FedEx messageIllustrative, links disabled
FedEx: Parcel #FX48210 is awaiting your delivery preferences. Confirm your address and a 1.99 USD fee here: fedex-preferences[.]shop/confirm
An example fake FedEx message with the warning signs highlighted.

What FedEx says

FedEx says it does not ask for payment or personal information in exchange for releasing a package, and does not request account details by unsolicited mail, email or text. It may send secure links to pay duties and taxes on international shipments, which you can check with the FedEx Import Tool. Source: FedEx

Common fake FedEx messages

  • Text with a tracking code asking you to set delivery preferences
  • Failed delivery email with a harmful attachment
  • Fake survey or free prize that asks for a card to pay shipping
  • Fee demanded to release a held package or ATM card
  • Links to lookalike or misspelled domains such as fedx or fed-ex

FedEx's real web addresses

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

  • fedex.com

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

How to check a FedEx message safely

  1. Enter your tracking number yourself at fedex.com/en-us/tracking.html
  2. For international duties and taxes, verify the request with the FedEx Import Tool
  3. Check that the sender uses fedex.com and not a misspelled domain
  4. Contact FedEx using a website or number you know is real, not details from the message

How to report a fake FedEx 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 FedEx 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 FedEx send messages asking for payment or personal details?

FedEx says it does not ask for payment or personal information in exchange for releasing a package, and does not request account details by unsolicited mail, email or text. It may send secure links to pay duties and taxes on international shipments, which you can check with the FedEx Import Tool.

How can I check if a FedEx message is real?

Enter your tracking number yourself at fedex.com/en-us/tracking.html. For international duties and taxes, verify the request with the FedEx Import Tool. Check that the sender uses fedex.com and not a misspelled domain. Contact FedEx using a website or number you know is real, not details from the message.

How do I report a fake FedEx message?

Email suspicious FedEx messages to abuse@fedex.com, or call the FedEx fraud department on the number listed on its report fraud page. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

I clicked a link in a fake FedEx 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.