In This Issue

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

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