UPS delivers an average of 24.3 million packages per day worldwide. With that volume, a UPS scam text or email has a high probability of reaching someone who is actually expecting a delivery, which is exactly what makes these scams effective. Here is how to distinguish real UPS communications from fraudulent ones.
How Real UPS Notifications Work
UPS communicates delivery status through several official channels:
- UPS My Choice: A free service that sends email and text alerts about deliveries to your address. Texts come from UPS-identified shortcodes.
- Email from @ups.com: Legitimate UPS emails come from domains ending in
@ups.com. The most common sender ispkginfo@ups.com. - The UPS app: Push notifications from the official UPS Mobile app.
- ups.com tracking: You can always verify status by entering your tracking number directly at ups.com.
UPS will never:
- Ask for payment via text message to release a package
- Request your Social Security number, credit card, or passwords
- Send texts from regular 10-digit phone numbers
- Threaten to destroy or return your package with an immediate deadline
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Common UPS Scam Variations
The Redelivery Fee Scam
"UPS: Delivery attempt failed. A redelivery fee of $1.99 is required. Pay now: [link]." UPS does not charge redelivery fees. They leave an InfoNotice and attempt delivery the next business day, or you can pick up the package at the nearest UPS Access Point — all free of charge.
The Tracking Update Scam
"UPS Notification: Your package status has changed. View update: [link]." This one is effective because it does not ask for money directly — it simply invites you to click. The link leads to a phishing page that may request login credentials or install malware.
The Customs Payment Scam
"UPS: International package held for customs clearance. Pay $4.50 duty: [link]." While UPS does handle customs brokerage, fees are charged through your UPS account or collected at delivery — never through a link in a text message.
The Fake UPS Email with Attachment
An email appears to come from UPS with a "shipping label" or "delivery receipt" attached as a .zip or .pdf file. Opening the attachment installs malware. UPS does not send unsolicited attachments — you only receive shipping labels if you created a shipment through your account.
How to Verify a Suspicious UPS Message
- Do not click any links in the message.
- Check your UPS My Choice account at ups.com for any real delivery alerts.
- Enter your tracking number directly at ups.com/track.
- Paste the message into IsThisAScam.to to analyze the URL, text patterns, and sender credibility.
- Call UPS at 1-800-742-5877 for questions about a specific shipment.
How to Report UPS Scams
- UPS: Forward suspicious emails to fraud@ups.com.
- FTC: Report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Phone carrier: Forward scam texts to 7726.
Delivery scams peak during November through January when package volumes are highest. Stay vigilant during shopping seasons and always verify through official UPS channels rather than clicking links in messages. For any message you are unsure about, IsThisAScam.to provides an instant, free analysis.