'Redelivery Fee' Texts? It's a Scam
'Your package couldn't be delivered — pay a $2.99 redelivery fee here.' The text looks official, the link looks official, and you are indeed waiting for something. It is smishing: carriers never collect fees through text links. The link harvests your card details, and the 'fee' is just the bait.
TL;DR / Quick Fix
Texts about a missed package with a redelivery fee link are scams — carriers do not collect fees by text link. Never tap the link; open the carrier's app or site directly and check tracking there. Report the text as spam and delete it.
Follow these steps
- Do not tap the link. The link leads to a phishing page built to harvest card details. Nothing about the text needs the link — tracking lives in the carrier's app.
- Check tracking directly. Open the carrier's official app or type their address yourself. If a real package needs attention, it shows there — see smishing texts for the pattern.
- Know the real fee policy. Major carriers don't demand small fees by text link. Customs duties go through official channels with paperwork, not surprise texts.
- Report the text as spam. On iPhone tap Report Junk; on Android use the spam report option. Forward to 7726 (SPAM) to help carriers block the sender.
- Delete the message. After reporting, delete it. Old scam texts become accidental taps later — especially by family members borrowing the phone.
- Warn the household. These texts target everyone with a phone number. A thirty-second warning to parents and teens prevents most household victims.
What NOT to do
- Do not enter card details on any page reached from a delivery text. Real carriers never take payment this way — the page is always fake.
- Do not call the number in the text. It routes to the scammers, who will 'confirm' the fee and harvest more details.
- Do not assume it's real because you're expecting a package. Scammers blast millions of texts; statistically, someone waiting for a parcel always bites.
- Do not reply STOP. Replies confirm your number is live and invite more scam texts — report and delete silently.
Frequently asked questions
I already tapped the link — what now?
If you entered nothing, you're likely fine — close the page. If you entered card details, call your bank immediately and watch statements.
Do carriers ever text about deliveries?
Real carriers send tracking updates, but never payment links or login demands by text. Any text asking for money or credentials is fake.
Why do I get these when I ordered nothing?
Shotgun approach — scammers text millions of numbers. With online shopping this common, enough recipients are always waiting for something.