Watch Out for Holiday Package Delivery Scams
It’s November, which means the season of online shopping, surprise deliveries, and tracking numbers is officially here. But while you're waiting on that cozy sweater or early Black Friday gadget, scammers are also busy delivering their own brand of holiday mischief.
Their trick? Delivering fake delivery texts and emails, often pretending to be from USPS, FedEx, UPS, or Amazon. Their goal is to get you to click, panic, and hand over sensitive information faster than you can say "limited-time offer”.
How Package Delivery Scams Work
These scams typically show up as a text or email that looks legit, sometimes even with the logo of a major shipping company. The message might say:
- “Your package is delayed. Click here to reschedule delivery.”
- “We couldn’t deliver your package. Confirm your address here.”
- “There’s a fee due for your delivery. Pay now to receive your item.”
You click the link and... BOOM. You’re on a phishing site designed to steal your personal or financial info. Some versions may even download malware.
Watch for These Red Flags
Here’s how to spot a package scam in the wild:
- Vague sender info: If the number or email looks random or slightly off (like “fed-exdelivery.com”), don’t trust it.
- Unfamiliar tracking number: If you weren’t expecting a package, don’t assume someone sent you a gift.
- Spelling and grammar issues: Legit delivery notifications don’t usually read like a middle school group chat.
- Links that pressure urgency or payment: Reputable companies won’t demand personal info or money through random texts.
At DFCU Financial, we want your holidays to be full of warm moments, not cold scams. While you shop, ship, and celebrate, we’re here behind the scenes protecting your accounts with secure banking features and a team of people looking out for you.
If you think you have fallen for a suspicious message involving your finances, don’t wait. Contact us right away. We'll help you unwrap the truth.
How to Protect Yourself
1. Don’t click links in unsolicited delivery messages. Go directly to the shipper’s official website and enter your tracking number manually.
2. Use official apps for USPS, FedEx, UPS, or Amazon to track packages safely.
3. Watch your inbox and your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
4. Enable spam filters and security software on your devices to catch fraud early.
5. Report phishing attempts to the appropriate service (or to us, if it involves your account).
Stay Alert, Stay Secure
Scammers are always evolving their tactics, but staying informed is your best defense. DFCU Financial is committed to helping you protect your money and personal information.
More tips:
- If you receive a suspicious call or text, please call us at 888.336.2700 to confirm the message is truly from us.
- Visit our Security and Fraud Protection page for more support.