In This Issue
Scam of the Week: Fake delivery texts and the tiny fee that steals your card
Red Flag Decoder: Why small payments are a big trap
Marketplace Alert: The overpayment scam catching sellers off guard
Inbox Danger Zone: A fake USPS text, broken dow
Scam of the Week : Fake Delivery Notifications
Here’s how it works.
You get a text that looks like it’s from USPS, FedEx, or UPS. It says your package can’t be delivered because of an “unpaid shipping fee” or “incomplete address.”
There’s a link. The link takes you to a site that looks official. You’re asked to pay a small fee (usually $1.95 or $3.99) to reschedule delivery.
That’s when they grab your credit card number.
The fee is fake. The package doesn’t exist. And now they have your payment info.
How to spot it:
Real delivery companies don’t ask for payment via text. If there’s actually a problem with your package, they’ll leave a notice at your door or update your tracking online. Not send you a random link.
When in doubt, go directly to the carrier’s website and enter your tracking number there. Don’t click the link.
RED FLAG DECODER
🚩 The Tiny Fee Trick
Scammers love small amounts.
Why? Because a $1.95 “redelivery fee” feels harmless. You’re not going to lose sleep over two bucks. So you pay it without thinking.
But here’s the thing: they’re not after your two dollars. They want the credit card number you just handed them. That’s where the real damage happens.
Any time you’re asked to pay a small, unexpected fee to “verify” something or “complete” a transaction, stop. That’s the trick.
MARKETPLACE SCAM ALERT
The Overpayment Scam
Selling something on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist? Watch out for this one.
A buyer offers to pay more than your asking price. They say it’s to cover shipping, or they’ll send extra for you to pay the movers. They send a check or digital payment. Then they ask you to send back the difference.
The original payment bounces. But you’ve already sent real money.
The rule: Never accept overpayment. Never send money back to a buyer. If someone offers more than your asking price for no good reason, that’s your sign to walk away.
INBOX DANGER ZONE
This week, a reader forwarded us this text:
“USPS: Your package is waiting for delivery. Please confirm your address and pay the $1.99 shipping fee to avoid return: usps-redelivery-confirm.com”
Let’s break it down.
First, that URL. USPS doesn’t use random domains like “usps-redelivery-confirm.com.” The real site is just usps.com. Any extra words or hyphens in the domain are a red flag.
Second, the fee. USPS doesn’t charge redelivery fees via text. If postage is due, they leave a slip at your door.
Third, the pressure. “To avoid return” is designed to make you act fast. Scammers want you rushing, not thinking.
This one’s a scam. Delete it.
What to do this Week
Next time you get a delivery text with a link, don’t click it.
Open your browser, go to the carrier’s real website, and check your tracking there.
It takes 30 extra seconds. And it could save you a whole lot of trouble.
Until next week, trust your gut. And when in doubt, check the signal,
The ScamBrief Team
ScamBrief is part of the Echo Safe family | Helping families stay ahead of scams | echosafe.co
