UPS Text Scams: What They Are and How To Identify Them

Maybe you’re trying to schedule a redelivery. Or perhaps you’re having trouble logging into your UPS account online. 

More likely, you’re checking the tracking number to figure out when your next unnecessary Amazon purchase is winging its way to you. Whatever the case, there are plenty of reasons that UPS would attempt to contact you.

That’s why UPS text scams are so effective. They take advantage of the fact that many of us are waiting on at least one delivery at any given time — or engaging with UPS for other reasons — to run an all-too-convincing scam. It’s important to be aware of common scams to protect yourself and your bank account from fake texts.

So, let’s go over everything you need to know about UPS text scams. The basics, tips on how to spot scammers, and advice on how a phone number app protects you from fraudsters.

What Is a UPS Text Scam?

As we’ve touched on, UPS scams prey on the fact that communications from a delivery service are commonplace in most people’s lives. While we’re talking about UPS text scams specifically, it’s also common to get fake texts pretending to be services such as USPS and FedEx. The basic premise is the same regardless.

You’ll get a text message that claims to be an automatic notification from UPS. It’s often really convincing, with fake tracking numbers and links that look believable, at least on first glance. It’s only once you click the link that the problem starts.

What Are the Most Common UPS Scams?

There are two main types of UPS text scams, which can make them harder to identify. Ultimately, however, most texts scams have the same goal: stealing your personal information. They accomplish this through phishing — and when it happens over SMS, it’s known as “smishing” — or by tricking you into downloading malware.

The more familiar you are with the most common UPS text scams, the better equipped you’ll be to spot the warning signs!

Package Delivery Notifications

This is the gold standard of UPS text scam. You’ve almost definitely received one before. It’s very simple. The text will tell you that you’ve had a package delivered or a package is out for delivery that day. 

Even if you don’t remember ordering anything, it’s not unusual to get an unexpected notification when someone sends you a gift — and honestly, it’s not that unusual to forget that you ordered something. Scammers rely on this, as well as your curiosity. 

The text will generally include a link or tracking number, which will either be an attempt to get sensitive information from you or contain malware.

If the link is a URL, it’s often really convincing, especially if you’re on your phone where the address bar cuts off the URL halfway through. Something like UPS-redelivery-now.com seems like a dead giveaway reading it here, but if you’re only half paying attention and can only see the first half of the URL anyway … you see the problem.

Unexpected Delivery Fees

Another common fake UPS text informs you that you owe a delivery fee. The most insidious version of this scam starts by telling you that you’ve missed a delivery and providing a link to reschedule it. Because this does happen with some delivery services, it’s especially believable.

When you click the link, you’ll probably find yourself on something that looks an awful lot like the official UPS website. After selecting new delivery dates and times, you’ll be asked to pay a redelivery fee. It’ll be a negligible amount, and you’ll only be asked after filling out all of your details. 

The sunk-cost fallacy works in fraudsters’ favors here — after filling out the forms, they’re hoping you’ll feel like paying that small amount is worth not having to go through the whole process again.

Of course, this a phishing scam. They’re after financial information, like your bank account or credit card number. The less-convincing version of this scam will simply be a text message saying you owe a delivery or customs fee and asking you to pay it.

How Do You Identify a UPS Text Scam?

While delivery scams don’t always set off immediate alarm bells like a less believable text message scam would, there are always red flags. 

If you want to protect your personal data, it’s important to always look out for these signs before you engage with any potentially suspicious text message.

• Grammatical errors are common with scam texts. A legitimate UPS text would have been rigorously edited and checked before being automated. If the message seems messy or the wording feels off, it probably isn’t real.
  

• An unusual sense of urgency is another giant, waving red flag. You may be super eager to get your hands on that fancy ice cream maker you convinced yourself is going to save you hundreds on store-bought ice cream over the next few years. But package delivery isn’t typically urgent. It’s normal for a UPS representative to attempt delivery a few times before you receive it.
  

• If it’s from any number other than MYUPS (69877) isn’t really from UPS. Fraudulent websites can have the UPS logo and tracking numbers can look legit, but scammers can’t fake this.
  

• Requests for information that you don’t normally need to provide are also a dead giveaway. UPS doesn’t need your social security number or bank account information to schedule a redelivery. 
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What Do You Do If You’ve Engaged With a Scam Text?

‍First of all, scam texts and phone calls are out of control lately, you know? It feels like it’s hard to go a single day without seeing a weird, garbled spam notification on your iPhone screen. It’s hard to keep track of them all, especially when you’re not familiar with something like a UPS text scam. So, there’s no reason to feel embarrassed if you’ve fallen for one of these scams.Because so many of these scam texts aim at identity theft, the most important thing is to act quickly. Don’t wait to see if something happens. If you suspect malware or realize you’ve submitted information to a fraudulent website, there are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself.

• Freeze your credit at the three major credit agencies. This stops scammers from opening accounts using your social security number.
  

• Check your credit report and bank statements regularly. Turn notifications on if possible so you’ll be immediately aware of any unusual activity.
  

• File a report with law enforcement. Even if they don’t take action, having a police report can be important in dealing with identity theft later.
  

• Report the scam to protect others in the future. Take a screenshot of the fake UPS text message and send it to UPS directly at fraud@UPS.com. Explain the situation in the email with as much detail as possible, and include your contact information in case they have additional questions.
  

• After you contact UPS, you can also report scam texts to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
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How Can You Protect Yourself?

The best way to protect yourself from UPS text scams is simply to read this article and familiarize yourself with them. If you spot scam texts immediately, it’s as easy as blocking and deleting them. But there’s another way to prevent these messages from reaching you in the first place.

Ultimately, access to your phone number lets scammers reach you. By creating a custom phone number with Burner, you can take charge of who can reach you and when. That way, you can keep your personal number private. The less you share your real number, the less likely scammers are to get a hold of it.

With a Burner number, you can access calls and texts from an app on your phone. You get multiple phone lines without needing additional devices or provider plans — and the peace of mind can’t be beat.

Return UPS Text Scams to Sender

UPS text scams are an increasingly common way for fraudsters to get at your personal information. They can be difficult to spot, and really — no one wants to waste their time reading over every line of a random text message trying to parse whether it’s real or fake. The best way to avoid falling victim to these fraudulent texts is to prevent them in the first place. 

Make your life easier. Keep your personal phone personal and block out the noise. It’s time to try Burner.

Sources:

Scam Text Examples | UPS

Protect Yourself From Fraud and Scams | UPS

Scam ‘Missed Parcel’ SMS Messages: Advice on Avoiding Malware | ncsc.gov

Smishing: Package Tracking Text Scams | United States Postal Inspection Service