When you’re expecting a package, it can be frustrating to experience issues with delivery. Naturally, a text message telling you your package couldn’t be dropped off at your residence is sure to catch your eye. That’s the goal of bad actors trying to lure in people who aren’t aware that they’re being phished. Now, officials are warning Americans about this widely circulating scam. Keep reading to learn more about the FedEx scam focused on redelivery, plus how to avoid becoming a victim.
What is the fake FedEx scam?
This phishing scam is just one of many that cell phone users are being targeted by these days. There are a couple of variations, but the theme of the scam is the same in every case. FedEx will alert you that someone from the company tried to deliver a package to you and was unsuccessful. As a result, you’ll have to reschedule delivery and be prepared to be home to sign for the package in person.
These phony texts are usually titled “FedEx Ground Reschedule Your Shipment Delivery” or “FedEx Ground Reschedule Delivery Request.” They are designed to get your attention, so the alert is included at the top of the message.
Of course, these texts are not actually from FedEx—a scammer is sending them in hopes that potential victims won’t figure out the message is fake until it’s too late.
How the FedEx phishing scam works
Recipients who have one of these FedEx scam texts pop into their inbox usually will find the message contains a lot of information. After receiving the phony text, you’re encouraged to reschedule using the provided link, according to TrendMicro.com.
Though in some cases the link begins with FedEx.com, the remaining information in the URL indicates it is a phishing link. If you click on the website provided in the message, it will take you to a fake webpage designed to look like the official site. Once you enter your personal information and/or credit card details, it goes right into the hands of the scammers.
To create a sense of urgency, some of the bad actors try to convince you that the delivery window for rescheduling is quite small. In one screenshot shared on TrendMicro.com, the text reads, “The package will be held at the Federal Post Office for 2 business days and will be returned to the original address without any conditions after the storage period ends.”
If someone is expecting a package or believes they are, they’ll be more likely to follow the instructions in the text to ensure the delivery occurs.
What to do if you clicked the link
Should you receive a FedEx scam text, officials say the best course of action is to ignore it and avoid engaging with the sender. It’s also a good idea to delete the message and report it as spam if possible to help keep others from being targeted too.
If you have clicked on a link provided in one of these phishing messages (and given out sensitive information in the fake FedEx website), contact your bank immediately. You’ll also need to change passwords for your email, FedEx or bank accounts to prevent the scammers from doing more damage or stealing your identity.
Consider also contacting your local law enforcement or Attorney General’s office for more serious cases involving significant financial loss.
How to spot a fake FedEx message
One of the best ways to avoid becoming a victim of the Fedex scam is to know the signs you are being phished. Fedex alerts customers that “FedEx does not request, via unsolicited mail, email, or text, any personal information pertaining to your account credentials or identity.”
Other red flags that the email or text message is a phishing attempt:
- Spelling or grammatical errors
- Unknown senders that may appear legitimate at first glance
- Misspelled websites
- Urgent requests
- Links included in the message
When in doubt about the status of a package you’re expecting, head to the official FedEx website to access your account or enter the legitimate tracking information.
