UPS scam texts: how to spot a fake

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

In short

UPS says it does not ask for payments, personal or financial information, account numbers, IDs or passwords in unsolicited emails, mail, phone calls or faxes. The only legitimate charges are collect on delivery, duties or taxes, and these can be checked through tracking on ups.com.

Most common fake: Text about a delivery with a link to a harmful site or malware.

Safest check: Open a new browser, go to ups.com yourself and enter the tracking number.

Example · fake UPS messageIllustrative, links disabled
UPS: We were unable to deliver your package. A 2.10 USD redelivery charge is due. Pay within 12 hours: ups-redelivery[.]top/pay
An example fake UPS message with the warning signs highlighted.

What UPS says

UPS says it does not ask for payments, personal or financial information, account numbers, IDs or passwords in unsolicited emails, mail, phone calls or faxes. The only legitimate charges are collect on delivery, duties or taxes, and these can be checked through tracking on ups.com. Source: UPS

Common fake UPS messages

  • Text about a delivery with a link to a harmful site or malware
  • Request for a delivery fee before a package can be delivered
  • Email asking you to verify account or payment details
  • Fake websites made to look like ups.com
  • Job offers involving processing checks, reshipping or returns

UPS's real web addresses

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

  • ups.com

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

How to check a UPS message safely

  1. Open a new browser, go to ups.com yourself and enter the tracking number
  2. Log in to your UPS account on ups.com to check any billing
  3. If someone calls, get their name and call UPS back on an official number from ups.com

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

UPS says it does not ask for payments, personal or financial information, account numbers, IDs or passwords in unsolicited emails, mail, phone calls or faxes. The only legitimate charges are collect on delivery, duties or taxes, and these can be checked through tracking on ups.com.

How can I check if a UPS message is real?

Open a new browser, go to ups.com yourself and enter the tracking number. Log in to your UPS account on ups.com to check any billing. If someone calls, get their name and call UPS back on an official number from ups.com.

How do I report a fake UPS message?

Report suspicious UPS emails, texts or websites using the fraud email form linked from the UPS fight fraud page. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

I clicked a link in a fake UPS 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.