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Parcel Delivery Text Scams

"Your parcel is on hold" and "Pay a small redelivery fee" texts are among the most common scams worldwide. How delivery text scams work and how to track parcels safely.

CyberWatch AI1 October 2026 · 2 min read
Cardboard shipping boxes stacked in the back of a delivery van

Parcel delivery texts are among the most widespread scam messages in the world. They work because almost everyone is expecting a parcel at some point. The message says your parcel is held, the address is incomplete, or a small fee is due. The link leads to a fake payment page.

Common versions

  • "Your parcel could not be delivered. Reschedule here."
  • "Incomplete address. Update within 24 hours or the parcel will be returned."
  • "A customs fee of 1.99 is due."
  • "Your package is waiting at the depot. Confirm your details."
Illustrative example · Text message
Your parcel has been held at our depot due to an unpaid shipping fee of 1.45. Please pay within 12 hours or it will be returned: hxxps://parcel-redelivery-center[.]top
Red flags: no courier name or tracking number, a tiny fee, a deadline and an unfamiliar domain.

What happens if you pay

  • Your card details are stolen and used or sold.
  • A "bank fraud team" may call soon after, using the stolen details to trick you further. See bank alert scams.

How to track parcels safely

  1. Use the tracking link from the retailer's order confirmation, or its app.
  2. Or go to the courier's official website or app and enter your tracking number.
  3. Never pay fees through a text link.

Got a delivery text? Paste it into CyberWatch AI Scan for a free check.

Related: courier phishing emails. For more, see phishing by email, SMS and phone in our complete guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do couriers charge redelivery fees by text?

Genuine couriers may charge customs or fees, but you should always check through the courier's official app or website using your tracking number, never through a link in a text.

I am expecting a parcel. Could it be real?

Possibly, but scammers send these messages to everyone, so many recipients are expecting something. Check with the retailer or courier directly.

What if I entered my card details?

Call your card issuer immediately to block the card, and watch for follow-up calls pretending to be your bank.

Sources

  1. How To Recognize and Report Spam Text Messages, US Federal Trade Commission
  2. Online Shopping, US Federal Trade Commission
  3. Phishing: spot and report scam emails, texts, websites and calls, UK National Cyber Security Centre
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