The Latest UPS Scam Texts You Need To Know About

Will UPS Ever Send You a Text Message?

UPS will not send you a text message unless you have a delivery scheduled with them and have consented to SMS updates. However, scammers send fake UPS text messages (and emails) with the hopes that you’ll click on a malicious link, enter sensitive information, or send them money.

UPS scams include fake text messages and emails claiming that you’ve missed delivery or there’s an issue with your package.

In 2024 alone, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that Americans lost nearly $950 million to text message scams.

Fraudsters know there’s a good chance that you’re waiting on a package — and will use your fear of missing it against you. But there are specific red flags that can warn you that you’re dealing with a fake UPS scam text.

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How To Identify a Fake UPS Text Message

The UPS text scam is a type of phishing scam in which fraudsters send text messages (or emails) claiming to be UPS representatives.

These messages typically include fake tracking numbers along with some form of “urgent information” to try and get you to act quickly — such as claiming you’ve missed a delivery, need to pay to release a package, or have to update your shipping information.

While many of these fake text messages will be easy to spot due to vague or incorrect information, scammers have begun using personal data leaked in breaches to make their scams seem like legitimate UPS messages.

However, even if scammers have your real information, there are still warning signs that can tell you if you’re dealing with an imposter.

Here are the most common red flags of a UPS scam message that you should watch out for:

You aren’t expecting a delivery

UPS scam texts work because most of us are waiting for a delivery at some point (from stores like Amazon and Walmart). However, if you aren’t expecting anything, or the store you bought from isn’t shipping via UPS and you get a text, it’s a scam.

The text doesn’t come from UPS’s official phone number

In the United States, all text communication from UPS should come from MYUPS (69877). If you’re in a different country, you can check for your local UPS SMS number here.

What about emails? If you’ve received an email claiming to be from UPS, make sure that it’s coming from an email address that includes one of these legitimate UPS domains:

• @UPS.com
• @billing.UPS.com
• @go.UPS.com
• @links4.UPSemail.com

Unsolicited text messages with links

UPS doesn’t send text messages unless you have a delivery scheduled with them and have asked for SMS updates. If you haven’t requested updates, don’t click on links. If you’re unsure, search your email inbox for the online store’s shipping notification email and click on the tracking link there. Just be sure it’s not a phishing email.

Links that aren’t from “UPS.com”

Hackers will often use URLs in their messages that look legitimate and include the letters “ups” in them. For example, “UPS.pay-invoices.com”. The bottom line is that if a link isn’t from “UPS.com,” it’s a scam.

Messages that create a sense of urgency

A classic warning sign of a phishing attempt is when the sender tries to create a sense of urgency. Scammers will claim you’re going to miss your delivery, that you’ll owe money, or even be in trouble with law enforcement if you don’t act now. If you feel an urge to act quickly and click on a link, slow down and look for other warning signs first.

Requests for money to receive your UPS package

While you may have to pay customs and duty fees on legitimate orders, payment or financial information requests outside of “UPS.com” are always scams. Any text requesting payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency is a huge, red flag that you’re dealing with scammers.

Spelling and grammatical errors

Look for poorly spelled words or grammar mistakes, such as additional spaces, words written together (i.e., “Deliverynotice” instead of “Delivery notice”) and awkward phrases.

No alternative contact method

Scam messages won’t include an alternative way to contact the company — such as an email address or phone number.

Fake tracking numbers

Scammers will include legitimate-looking tracking numbers to make their messages look legitimate. But these are easy to fake, or could even be phishing links in disguise. Make sure you check every tracking number in a text on UPS.com/track.

📚 Related: How To Identify a Fake Text Message Scam [With Examples] →

What Can Happen If You Click on a Link In a Fake UPS Text Message?

Most UPS scams will include a malicious link. If you click on the link in a UPS text scam, one of three things can happen:

1. You’ll be taken to a fake website designed to steal your sensitive information. Scammers create fake UPS websites that ask you to “verify” your personal information to receive your package. They may ask for your name, phone number, address, and sometimes even your Social Security number (SSN) or credit card numbers.
2. You’ll be asked to pay a fee to release your shipment. Scammers may also claim that your package requires a customs fee or other payment before it can be delivered. They’ll ask for your credit card information or demand that you pay via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
3. You’ll accidentally infect your mobile device with malware. Hackers can also use these links to download malicious software onto your device. Once installed, malware can scan your device for sensitive information (like your bank account or credit card numbers), spy on you, or encrypt your device and demand payment to unlock it (this is called ransomware).

Did you accidentally click on a phishing link? Do this now!

Clicking on a link in a fake message can put you, your data, and your devices at risk. If you think you’ve clicked on a malicious link, follow these steps to stay safe:

• Don’t enter information. This includes your name and address or more sensitive information like your SSN.
• Delete any automatic downloads. If your device started downloading a file as soon as you clicked on the link, delete it immediately.
• Scan your device for malware. Use reputable antivirus to make sure your devices haven’t been infected.
• Change compromised passwords. Update any passwords you entered on a fake website.

• Set up fraud alerts and account monitoring. Contact your financial institutions to ask for additional security measures or use a service like Aura to monitor your sensitive accounts and information for you.
• Block and report the sender. Make sure they can’t continue to target you with more scams.

📚 Related: What To Do If You Click on a Phishing Link →

The 5 Latest UPS Scam Texts Going Around

Scammers are always looking for new angles on traditional scams, like the UPS fake text message.

Here are some of the main UPS scam texts making the rounds in 2025:

1. Fake UPS package delivery notifications

These scams claim that you’ve missed a UPS delivery or that it needs to be rescheduled — and ask you to click on a link to make arrangements.

In most cases, these missed delivery scams won’t include specific details about you or your package (as scammers send thousands of these messages hoping for a bite). However, some will include fake tracking numbers and “redelivery costs,” while others might just ask you to click on a link.

Always check a link’s destination URL before clicking. If it isn’t taking you to a page on the official “UPS.com” domain, it’s a scam.

📚 Related: How To Tell If Someone is Scamming You Online →

2. Claims that you owe a delivery fee

In this UPS text scam, fraudsters try to create a sense of urgency by claiming that you’ll miss a package if you don’t pay a “delivery fee.” If you click on the link in the message, you’ll be taken to a fake UPS website and asked to provide payment details, such as your credit card numbers, or send money via wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

Any unsolicited request for payment is a red flag. Whether it’s an email, text, or phone call, anyone contacting you to ask for money should be treated with extreme caution.

3. Undeliverable address scams (“your package cannot be delivered”)

In this UPS scam approach, fraudsters claim that your address is incorrect and that a package cannot be delivered. But this is just another angle to try and get you to click on a link and enter sensitive information that can be used to steal your identity or hack your accounts.

Scammers can use your address to target you. Using a change-of-address scam, fraudsters can redirect your mail to an address they control — including bank statements, cheques, and other sensitive mail.

4. Security alerts of suspicious activity on your UPS account

Scammers may also claim that your UPS online account has been hacked or that someone is trying to gain access to it. These scam texts will include a link to “secure your account” and take you to a UPS.com login page asking for your account name and password. If you enter them, hackers will gain access to your account.

Beware of automatic downloads. Hackers may also use these links to trigger downloads that infect your device with malware. If you’re worried you’ve been hacked, run an antivirus scan.

5. Callback scams that want to get you on a phone call

Scammers know it’s often easier to get you to comply with their demands if you’re on the phone with them. Some UPS scams will request that you call them back on a phone number. But once you do, scammers will start to demand sensitive information or may even pressure you to pay them.

Only use the contact information on the official UPS website. Don’t trust phone numbers or email addresses listed in suspicious text messages.

📚 Related: How To Protect Yourself From Hackers →

How to Avoid UPS Text Message Scams

Delivery notice scam texts are running rampant — and not just from UPS. You may receive fake texts claiming to be from FedEx, USPS, or other shipping companies.

Here’s how you can make sure you aren’t falling for a scam:

• Track deliveries on UPS.com. You can track all legitimate incoming deliveries from UPS here.
• Enable 2FA on your UPS account. Two-factor authentication can protect your UPS account even if scammers have access to your password.
• Contact UPS directly with questions. Before you click on a link or respond to a message, contact UPS’s 24/7 customer support at 1-800-742-5877 or by visiting the UPS online contact center.
• Request a signature for deliveries. This prevents “porch pirates” from stealing an unattended package. UPS also offers 24/7 lockers which use a one-time PIN to allow you to pick up your packages at your leisure.
• Regularly check your credit and back statements. The sensitive information you give scammers can be used to access your financial accounts or take out loans in your name. Aura monitors your credit report at all three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion), as well as with all linked financial institutions to warn you if you’re being scammed.
• Report UPS scams to the proper authorities. You can send screenshots of UPS scam messages to UPS by emailing fraud@ups.com. You can also submit information about the scam online to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the Better Business Bureau (BBB Scam Tracker).

Scam text messages are only part of a bigger problem. Fraudsters have more access than ever to your sensitive information due to massive data breaches at companies like National Public Data (NPD), Ticketmaster, AT&T, and more.

For added protection, consider signing up for Aura’s all-in-one digital safety solution.

Aura combines award-winning identity and credit monitoring, with advanced antivirus software, phishing protection, 24/7 support, and up to $1,000,000 in identity theft insurance. With a 14-day free trial and 60-day money back guarantee, you can try Aura for yourself risk free.