Every day, thousands fall victim to cleverly crafted UPS scam texts. These messages mimic legitimate UPS notifications, tricking unsuspecting recipients into revealing personal information. With scammers becoming more sophisticated, it’s crucial to stay informed and vigilant. This guide will arm you with the knowledge to recognize and thwart these devious scams, ensuring your personal data remains secure.
Understanding the UPS Scam Text Phenomenon
Scammers have mastered the art of mimicry. UPS scam texts look nearly identical to official delivery alerts—complete with logos, tracking links, and urgent updates. These messages don’t just play on your trust in a well-known brand. They exploit your anticipation for a package or your fear of missing a delivery. It’s psychology at work: urgency and authority rolled into a single ping on your phone.
How the Scam Works
You get a text saying your package is delayed, held at customs, or requires a small “redelivery fee.” There’s a link. Maybe you’re expecting something. Maybe you aren’t. The message counts on your curiosity or anxiety to override your caution.
Here’s what typically happens:
You click the link, which leads to a fake site that looks like UPS.
The site asks for personal info—address, phone number, or even payment details.
Sometimes, just clicking the link can trigger malware or spyware to install itself quietly on your device.
Psychological Tricks in Play
Urgency: Messages stress that action is needed “immediately,” pushing you to act fast and skip careful checks.
Authority: The use of UPS branding and official-sounding language builds trust.
Scarcity: The threat of missed deliveries or lost packages increases anxiety and prompts quick responses.
Why These Scams Are So Common
With online shopping at an all-time high, scammers know you’re likely waiting for a parcel. In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission reported a spike in delivery-related scams, with text-based phishing (smishing) costing Americans millions in losses each year. Scammers don’t need to fool everyone—just enough people to make it worthwhile.
Financial Impact:
Losses from delivery scams run into tens of millions annually in the US alone.
Victims report identity theft, drained bank accounts, and unauthorized purchases.
These scams aren’t going away. They’re getting smarter, more believable, and more frequent. Recognizing the tactics is your first defense.
Recognizing Fake UPS Text Messages
Fake UPS text messages are more common than ever and can fool even the savviest among us. Scammers have refined their tactics—some texts are so convincing they’d trip up even the most cautious. Spotting these scams quickly is your first line of defense.
Common Traits of Fake UPS Messages
Scammers use a mix of urgency, poor formatting, and suspicious links. Keep an eye out for these giveaways:
Generic greetings: Most scam texts won’t use your name. If it starts with “Dear Customer” or no greeting at all, be suspicious.
Spelling and grammar errors: UPS is a professional company. Odd phrasing, random capital letters, or bad grammar are big warning signs.
Unusual sender numbers: Real UPS messages come from short codes or recognizable numbers. Scammers often use random-looking phone numbers.
Unfamiliar links: If a text asks you to click a link that looks odd (think: “ups-support-alert.com” instead of “ups.com”), it’s almost always a scam.
Language and Formatting Used in Scam Texts
Here’s what fake UPS messages might look like:
“Your UPS package is waiting for delivery. Please confirm your details: [suspicious link]”
“UPS: Your parcel could not be delivered due to incomplete address. Fill in your info here: [fake website]”
“Final attempt! Claim your UPS shipment now or it will be returned. Track here: [malicious URL]”
Notice the urgency (“Final attempt!”), the ask for immediate action, and the strange web addresses.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be on guard if you spot any of these:
Requests for personal or payment info: UPS will never ask for sensitive information via text.
Unsolicited tracking updates: If you haven’t ordered anything, any package alert should be questioned.
Threats or consequences: “Your package will be destroyed unless you act now!” is classic scam language.
Strange links or attachments: Never click if you’re unsure—these can steal your info or infect your phone.
A quick tip: With privacy-first tools like Cloaked, you can create masked phone numbers and emails. This makes it much harder for scammers to reach you in the first place. If you’re often targeted, consider using a service like Cloaked to shield your real contact info from prying eyes.
Spotting a fake text takes a sharp eye, but with these tips, you’re far less likely to fall for a scam.
The Latest UPS Scam Text Variations
UPS scam texts aren’t what they used to be. Scammers are always tweaking their tactics, staying one step ahead of security updates and public awareness. Here are five of the most recent and sophisticated UPS scam text variations spotted in 2025, complete with real-world examples and insights into how these fraudsters shift gears when security tightens up.
1. Fake Missed Delivery with Tracking Link
What it looks like:
“UPS: We missed you! Your package is waiting. Reschedule delivery here: [malicious link]”
How it works:
Scammers pose as UPS, sending urgent texts about a missed delivery. The included link leads to a convincing, but fake, UPS site asking for your personal info or a small payment to “reschedule.” Even cautious recipients have been tripped up by how authentic these messages look, right down to using real-looking tracking codes.
Adaptation:
When carriers started warning users about suspicious links, scammers began using link shorteners or slightly misspelled URLs to dodge detection.
2. “Customs Fee Required” Payment Scam
What it looks like:
“UPS: A customs fee is due for your package. Pay now to avoid return: [spoofed payment page]”
How it works:
This scam pressures recipients into paying a fake customs or import fee. The payment page mimics UPS branding and collects credit card details. Victims often don’t realize their mistake until unauthorized charges show up.
Adaptation:
Scammers tweak the amount requested and the urgency of the message, making it look more like the real notifications people expect when shopping internationally.
3. Account Suspension Notice
What it looks like:
“UPS: Your account has been suspended due to suspicious activity. Verify here: [phishing link]”
How it works:
This one preys on fear. The link leads to a fake login page, and entering your credentials hands them straight to the attacker. These messages are crafted to look just like official UPS security alerts, complete with corporate logos and legalese.
Adaptation:
Once people caught on, scammers started using more personal greetings and referencing recent shipments to seem more legitimate.
4. Delivery Preferences Update
What it looks like:
“UPS: Update your delivery preferences here: [link]”
How it works:
Here, the scam aims to harvest personal details by prompting you to update or confirm delivery options. The fake form often requests your full name, address, and sometimes payment information.
Adaptation:
Scammers now spoof local area codes or use names of popular online retailers to blend in with real notifications.
5. QR Code for “Secure Tracking”
What it looks like:
A text with a QR code image, labeled:
“Scan to securely track your UPS package.”
How it works:
This is a newer twist. Instead of a link, you get a QR code. Scanning it opens a phishing site or downloads malware. The novelty makes people drop their guard.
Adaptation:
As more phones include automatic QR scanning, scammers exploit the trust people have in this technology.
How Scammers Outsmart Security Measures
Constant rewording: When spam filters catch on to certain phrases, scammers change up the message wording.
Spoofing real numbers: They use VoIP to make texts appear as if they’re from official UPS lines.
Mimicking official branding: Logos, colors, and legal disclaimers are copied to trick even wary recipients.
Personalization: By scraping public info or previous data leaks, they address you by name or reference actual orders.
Cloaked tip:
With privacy services like Cloaked, you can shield your real phone number and email, making it much harder for scammers to target you repeatedly. If a scam text does sneak through, you can easily block it and rotate your details, keeping your main inbox and phone number safe.
Stay alert—these scams keep evolving, and being informed is your best defense.
Steps to Take if You Click a Malicious Link
Accidentally clicking on a malicious link happens to the best of us. It’s easy to let your guard down for a split second—especially when a fake UPS text shows up just as you’re expecting a package. But the real damage begins only if you freeze or ignore the warning signs. Here’s a clear, actionable plan to follow if you suspect you’ve clicked a scam link.
1. Disconnect and Assess
Immediately disconnect from the internet: Unplug your Wi-Fi or switch to airplane mode. This can help stop malware from communicating with its controller or sending out your data.
Don’t enter any more information: If you started filling out forms or typing passwords, stop right away. Every second counts.
2. Scan Your Device
Run a full antivirus scan: Use your device’s built-in security tools or a trusted antivirus app. Don’t rely on quick scans—go for the full version.
Update your software: Make sure your device, browser, and security apps are all running the latest versions. Updates often patch security holes.
Use strong, unique passwords: Don’t recycle passwords. Consider a password manager if you struggle to remember complex ones.
If you’ve used the same password elsewhere, change it everywhere it’s used. If you entered credentials on the malicious site, those credentials are now exposed.
4. Watch for Unauthorized Activity
Monitor your accounts: Keep an eye on bank statements, credit card transactions, and email for suspicious activity.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds another barrier if someone tries to access your accounts, even if they have your password.
5. Report the Scam
Contact your bank or credit card provider: If you shared any financial information, notify them immediately to freeze or monitor your accounts.
Report to authorities: In the U.S., report phishing attempts to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov. You can also forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM).
Inform your contacts: If you think your email or social media was compromised, warn your friends and family. Scammers might use your account to target others.
6. Secure Your Personal Data
Check for identity theft: If you shared sensitive information (like your Social Security number), consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with credit bureaus.
Use privacy tools: Apps like Cloaked can help you create masked emails, phone numbers, and credit cards, making it much harder for scammers to use your real details in future attacks.
7. Learn and Prevent
Educate yourself and others: The more you know about common scams (like UPS text scams), the less likely you are to fall for them again.
Be skeptical of urgent messages: Scammers often use urgency to trick you. Take a breath before clicking.
Staying calm and following these steps can make a huge difference. Fast action limits the fallout and can even keep your data—and your wallet—safe.
Prevention Tips for Staying Safe
Staying one step ahead of scammers requires vigilance and a bit of practical wisdom. UPS scam texts are getting smarter, but with the right precautions, you can protect yourself and your information.
Recognizing Red Flags
Unexpected Messages: Be skeptical of texts claiming to be from UPS, especially if you’re not expecting a delivery.
Urgency and Threats: Scammers often use phrases like “immediate action required” or warn about missed deliveries to pressure you.
Suspicious Links: Never click on links from unknown senders. Hover over the link or check the URL on a computer to see if it looks legitimate.
Simple Habits That Help
Don’t Share Personal Information: UPS and other delivery services will never ask for sensitive information like your Social Security number or banking details over text.
Double-Check with Official Sources: Instead of replying to the message, go directly to the UPS website or app. Track your package using the official tracking number.
Block and Report: If you receive a suspicious message, block the sender and report the scam to UPS and your mobile provider.
Security Tools and Services
Modern problems need modern solutions. Tools that mask your real contact information can make a real difference.
Use Cloaked for Added Protection: Cloaked is a privacy tool that lets you generate unique phone numbers and email addresses for each service you use. If a scammer gets ahold of your “burner” info, your real identity stays safe. This makes it harder for scammers to connect the dots or reuse your details in future attacks.
Staying Informed and Alert
Keep Up with Scam Trends: Scammers change tactics fast. Check resources like the UPS fraud alert page, cybersecurity news, and consumer protection sites for the latest threats.
Talk About It: Share new scam warnings with friends, family, and coworkers. A quick heads-up could save someone a lot of trouble.
By building these habits into your daily routine, you make yourself a tough target for scammers. A little caution goes a long way when it comes to keeping your personal information out of the wrong hands.
At Cloaked, we believe the best way to protect your personal information is to keep it private before it ever gets out. That’s why we help you remove your data from people-search sites that expose your home address, phone number, SSN, and other personal details. And to keep your info private going forward, Cloaked lets you create unique, secure emails and phone numbers with one click - so you sign up for new experiences without giving away your real info. With Cloaked, your privacy isn’t a setting - it’s the default. Take back control of your personal data with thousands of Cloaked users.
*Disclaimer: You agree not to use any aspect of the Cloaked Services for FCRA purposes.
