UPS scams: a complete guide to UPS text and email scams

Scammers are targeting UPS customers with fake delivery messages, resulting in significant losses for customers in the US. In 2024 alone, consumers reported losing $470 million to scams that started with text messages. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the most common type of text scam involved fake package delivery.

In fake package delivery scams, scammers ask consumers to pay for a package delivery that doesn’t exist. These fraudsters use common scam tactics to trick innocent consumers, such as spam emails, phishing text messages, and counterfeit labels.

I worked with the Cybernews research team to review and analyze the most common UPS scams to show you exactly how they operate. I also provide actionable tips to prevent getting scammed by fake UPS delivery drivers. Keep reading to find out more.

The most common UPS scams at a glance

Scammers use various tactics to pull off UPS scams. Here’s an overview of what you should keep an eye out for:

• Spam and phishing emails
• Fraudulent text messages, phone calls and other communications
• Fake websites
• Fake invoices, checks, or money orders
• Work from home scams
• Counterfeit labels
• Reference number fraud

Top 7 UPS scams (with fixes)

Find out more about how scammers conduct UPS scams below.

1. Spam and phishing emails

Scammers mimic official UPS emails by using the official UPS logo and emulating official email body text. However, these emails will contain links to infected websites that may collect your personal data.

To avoid falling for fake emails, always verify the email’s sender address, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and track packages only through the official UPS website.

2. Fraudulent text messages, phone calls and other communications

Fraudsters impersonate the UPS through texts or calls, with notices like “Your package is delayed” or “Customs fee required.” They’ll badger and pressure you until you send payment.

To avoid getting scammed through fraudulent communication, always verify delivery details using official UPS tracking tools or contacting UPS customer service directly.

3. Fake websites

Scammers clone the UPS website and create a fake site to steal your login credentials or payment details. Watch out for red flags like misspellings, poor design, or unusual URLs.

To stay safe, always double-check the domain of the website you’re on before entering any information. Better yet, manually enter the UPS website domain (ups.com) any time you need to visit its website.

4. Fake invoices, checks, or money orders

Look out for scammers who trick victims into depositing fake UPS-related checks or invoices. Usually, these payments are in response to fake delivery fees. By submitting these invoices, you open yourself to stolen personal information, overdraft fees, or bank penalties.

To avoid this, only use official UPS payment methods and verify any invoices directly through UPS before taking action.

5. Work from home scams

Fraudsters send fake job offers that misuse UPS branding, often asking victims to reship packages or hand over sensitive details. These scams risk financial loss and identity theft.

You can avoid this scam by always verifying legitimate job opportunities on the official UPS careers page and never accepting unsolicited job offers.

6. Counterfeit labels

Scammers generate fake UPS shipping labels using stolen information to send packages or commit fraud. As a result, victims may unknowingly participate in illegal shipments.

The safest approach is to create and verify shipping labels only through UPS-authorized systems and always track your shipments through UPS directly.

7. Reference number fraud

Fraudsters use fake reference numbers to convince victims they have pending packages. These numbers appear real but don’t match UPS records.

Avoid this risk by using the official UPS website to track packages and confirm tracking number authenticity.

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What is a UPS scam and how does it work?

A UPS scam is any fraudulent scheme that uses the UPS name or logo to trick people into giving their money or personal details to scammers. These scams often appear legitimate since they mimic UPS branding to deliver fake updates, invoices, or job opportunities.

In the US alone, a projected 24 billion packages will be shipped and delivered in 2025. This means roughly 761 packages get delivered per second. When fraudsters send fake texts or create fake UPS websites, they hope to take advantage of this ever-growing industry.

When victims engage with these tactics, scammers get the opportunity to steal login credentials, credit card numbers, or Social Security details. Some even trick people into paying fake fees or depositing fraudulent checks. To avoid falling for these scams, it’s important to be informed about what they look like and how they operate.

How to recognize UPS fraud

Scammers rely on pressure tactics and clever impersonation to trick you into believing their messages are genuine. Here are the most common red flags to watch for:

• Unexpected package delivery. Scammers send fake UPS messages indiscriminately, hoping to catch someone who will fall for their scheme. If you don’t have any pending deliveries, ignore any messages from “UPS” or other delivery providers.
• Urgent tone. Messages claiming you have to act “immediately” to avoid missed deliveries or fees may be fraudulent.
• Unusual payment methods. UPS never demands payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or other unconventional payment methods.
• Fake website domains. Fake websites often use misspellings or unusual URLs (for example, “ups-delivery-status.com” instead of “ups.com”).
• Suspicious links. Emails or texts may include shortened or strange-looking links designed to steal your information.
• Unverified senders. Double-check the email address or contact details of UPS messages against the official contact information on the UPS website.
• Spelling and grammar errors. Fake emails and text messages often contain obvious mistakes, hinting that they weren’t written by professionals.

Best practices to avoid UPS scams

There are various steps you can take to keep from falling for UPS fraud. And while it’s difficult to avoid being contacted by scammers, you can limit the possibility by following these tips:

• Always verify UPS communications. Double-check emails, texts, or calls claiming to be from UPS by going directly to the official UPS website or app.
• Use the official UPS app and website. Track shipments only through UPS’s official platforms to avoid phishing traps.
• Avoid clicking on unknown links. Never click suspicious links or download email attachments, as they may contain malware or redirect you to fake sites.
• Use an antivirus. Install trusted antivirus software to detect potential security breaches on your devices.
• Invest in identity protection. Services like Coveron (formerly NordProtect) provide identity monitoring, recovery support, and insurance coverage to keep your personal information safe. However, the perks like identity theft recovery, cyber extortion protection, and online fraud coverage are available to customers residing in U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, with the exception of New York.
• Stay updated about identity theft prevention. Read our identity theft protection guide and updates to stay on top of scammers’ new tactics.

What to do if you fall for a UPS scam

UPS scams where victims provide personal information can often lead to identity theft. If you suspect that fraudsters have access to your data due to a UPS scam, follow the steps below:

1. Stop communication immediately. Cease all communications with the scammers, but hang on to all proof of your correspondence.
2. Report the scam to UPS, which involves locking your profile and submitting a report on its website.
3. Submit a report to the Federal Trade Commission to help prevent further fraud.
4. Monitor your credit reports and bank accounts for any suspicious activity or purchases that you’re sure you didn’t make.
5. Set up fraud and identity theft alerts using Coveron, which provides notifications for suspicious credit activity.

Conclusion: stay safe from UPS scams

While most UPS emails, texts, and calls are legitimate, scams remain a common threat. Fortunately, learning to recognize red flags, avoiding suspicious links, and reporting fraudulent activity allows you to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

As an expert at Cybernews, I strongly recommend being informed on how scammers operate so you can spot a scam as soon as it pops into your inbox.

I also suggest adding an extra layer of defense with identity protection services like Coveron. Coveron provides identity monitoring, recovery support, and insurance to help keep your identity safe online.

For more guidance, explore our dedicated Cybernews identity protection guide, where we review the best tools and strategies to keep you and your family safe from fraud.

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