How Scammers Trick Victims into Clicking Fake Package Tracking Links
In the age of online shopping, it’s common to receive texts or emails about a package delivery. That’s exactly what scammers are counting on. By impersonating trusted courier services, they trick people into clicking malicious links disguised as package tracking or delivery confirmation updates.
These fake delivery notifications have become one of the most effective phishing techniques — and they’re evolving rapidly. Here’s how they work, what to watch out for, and what to do if you’ve already clicked.
📦 How the Scam Works
The scam typically begins with a text message or email that looks like it came from a known delivery service (e.g., DHL, UPS, FedEx, La Poste, Royal Mail).
The message might say:
- “We tried to deliver your package. Please confirm your delivery address here: [link]”
- “Your parcel is on hold. Pay a small fee to release it: [link]”
- “Track your delivery: [link]”
The link takes you to a fake but convincing website that mimics the real courier’s branding. Once there, you may be asked to:
- Enter personal information (name, address, date of birth)
- Provide payment info to pay a small fee (like €2–€5)
- Install a tracking app — which is really malware
- Log in to your account, exposing your credentials
🎣 Why This Scam Is So Effective
These scams succeed because they exploit three key things:
- Expectation: Most people are regularly waiting for a delivery.
- Urgency: The message creates a sense of pressure — “Act now or miss your package.”
- Legitimacy: The messages and websites often use official logos, phrasing, and domain names that look legitimate at first glance.
🚩 Red Flags to Watch For
Here are some ways to recognize a fake delivery notification:
- The sender’s number or email looks suspicious (e.g., random numbers or unknown shortcodes)
- Strange URLs that don’t match the official courier domains (e.g., dhl-packinfo.xyz)
- Requests for small payments to “release” a package
- Poor spelling or grammar
- Unexpected delivery notifications — especially if you’re not expecting a package
🧠 What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Message
- Don’t click the link. Delete the message if you’re unsure.
- Go directly to the official website of the courier using your browser.
- Check your order history with the store you purchased from.
- Report the scam to your country’s cybercrime authority or consumer protection agency.
- Warn friends and family — especially older loved ones — who may not recognize the trick.
🔐 What to Do If You Already Clicked
If you clicked the link or entered your information:
- Disconnect from the internet immediately if you downloaded an app or file
- Run a full antivirus scan on your device
- Change your passwords, especially if you entered login credentials
- Monitor your bank account if you submitted payment details
- Report the incident to your bank and block your card if needed
- Contact professionals who specialize in scam recovery
📧 Need help? Reach out to us at info@fast-recover.com — we investigate fraud and help victims recover control.
✅ Final Thoughts
Missed delivery scams aren’t just annoying — they’re dangerous. They’re designed to steal your identity, infect your phone or computer, or drain your bank account. As online shopping becomes the norm, scammers are adapting quickly.
The best defense? Skepticism and caution. Always question messages that ask for your info or payments — no matter how official they look. When in doubt, go to the source: the real courier company.
