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Fake Delivery Messages: Don’t Fall for the Tracking Link Trap
- Jayajith Prasad
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
“Your parcel is on hold. Click to reschedule.”
“Delivery failed. Pay £1.99 to release your package.”
“Track your shipment here.”
If you’ve received texts like these lately, you’re not alone. Fake delivery scams, also known as smishing (SMS phishing), are on the rise — and they’re targeting the convenience of online shopping to steal personal information, money, and even identities.
📦 How These Scams Work
Scammers send fake text messages that appear to be from:
Royal Mail, FedEx, DHL, or local courier services
Amazon or e-commerce platforms
Postal authorities
Customs offices
The message includes a tracking link or payment request, often with a sense of urgency. Once clicked, the link may:
Lead to a phishing site mimicking a delivery page
Prompt you to enter personal or financial details
Ask for a small fee that grants scammers your card info
Install malware on your phone to steal data silently
⚠️ Why These Scams Work
People order online frequently, so a delivery notice feels normal
Messages often include realistic branding and tracking formats
Victims are tricked by the low amount of money requested
On mobile, short URLs and preview screens make it hard to check the link’s source
Even tech-savvy users can be fooled by a well-timed fake parcel alert.
🛡️ How to Stay Safe from Delivery Scams
✅ Don’t click on links in unsolicited texts or emails
✅ Go directly to the delivery company’s official website to check for issues
✅ Be suspicious of payment requests for small amounts (customs, redelivery, etc.)
✅ Verify the sender — scammers often use slight misspellings in names or URLs
✅ Use spam filters or scam reporting apps on your phone
✅ Report suspicious messages to your mobile provider or cybercrime agency
Delivery companies will never ask for sensitive data or payments through unsecured SMS links.
🧠 Final Thought
Just because it says “your package is arriving” doesn’t mean it’s real. In the age of constant deliveries, scammers are counting on you not noticing the difference. Pause. Check. Don’t click.
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