Holiday Shipping Scams: What Those "Delivery Failed" Texts Really Mean
McKee Financial Resources, Wealth Management Services Celebrating 40 Years of Excellence Since 1985 |
HOLIDAY SHIPPING SCAMS What Those "Delivery Failed" Texts Really Mean |
By mid-December, most of us are tracking more packages than we can count. Gifts, returns, last-minute orders — they're all in motion. That's why it's so easy to glance at your phone, see a message that says:
"Your package couldn't be delivered. Please reschedule." |
and instantly think, Did I forget something?
Scammers count on that moment — the quick, familiar jolt of uncertainty.
According to recent 2025 research from Malwarebytes: 42% of people encountered fake postal tracking messages this season 12% clicked or responded |
That combination of holiday rush and routine-looking alerts makes these scams incredibly effective. Understanding how they work — and how to slow down — is one of the simplest ways to stay protected during the busiest weeks of the year.
Why These Texts Work So Well in December
December is a perfect storm of urgency and distraction. Most of us expect shipping updates. We're already receiving genuine notifications from retailers and carriers. When a fake message slips in, it blends into the flow.
The scam doesn't need to be elaborate — it only needs to feel familiar.
That tiny window of "Did I miss a package?" is all the scammer needs.
How Fake Delivery Alerts Really Look
Scammers have become better at formatting messages to look like legitimate USPS, UPS, FedEx, or Amazon alerts. But most fake texts fall into three predictable patterns:
1. The Small "Redelivery Fee" Trick This is the most common tactic. The text says you owe $1.95 or $2.30 to release or reschedule a package. The danger isn't losing two dollars. It's entering your credit card information on a fake site designed to capture it. |
2. Odd Tracking Details or Suspicious Links Fake messages often include short or mismatched tracking numbers that don't resemble anything you've ordered. The link may look close to a real carrier but includes extra characters, misspellings, or an unfamiliar domain. Legitimate carriers simply do not request payment or identity verification through random text links. |
3. Requests for Personal Info or Urgent Action Scammers may ask you to "verify your address," "confirm identity," or "respond within 24 hours." Urgency is the tell. Real delivery services do not issue threats or deadlines via text. |
USPS, UPS, FedEx, and Amazon do not text customers asking for payment to release or redeliver a package. If a message says otherwise, it's best to delete it. |
What To Do Instead (Calm, Simple Steps)
These scams are easier to avoid than they appear. A few small habits make a big difference.
• Go directly to the retailer or carrier. • Delete the message or report it. • Slow down when urgency appears. • Never enter payment or personal details from a text link. • If you clicked something accidentally, don't panic. |
Quick FAQ
Does USPS charge for redelivery? No. USPS does not charge a fee to redeliver a package. |
Does FedEx or UPS send text messages asking for payment? No. They may text tracking updates if you've opted in, but they do not request payment through text. |
What if I'm expecting a package and the message feels real? Check your orders directly. Go through the retailer or carrier website, not the text. If anything truly needs your attention, you'll see it there. |
The Bigger Picture
These scams often feel small — a link, a fee, an unexpected delivery message — but they aim to disrupt your broader financial stability. Quick hits like this can drain a card, compromise personal information, or chip away at the emergency fund and those steady savings habits we've talked about throughout the year.
Taking a moment to pause, verify, and protect your information is part of safeguarding your financial life, especially when the season feels crowded and chaotic.
At McKee, we believe financial confidence includes these everyday habits — the small decisions that keep your information secure and your plans moving forward.
The more familiar these scam messages become, the less power they hold. A calm moment of awareness can protect not just a package, but your personal information during one of the busiest times of the year. |
McKee Financial Resources, Wealth Management Services Celebrating 40 Years of Excellence Since 1985 For 40 years, financial security has been built through two kinds of habits: the strategic decisions that shape long-term plans and the everyday awareness that protects them. Shipping scams may feel like small, seasonal nuisances, but they represent a larger principle we've emphasized since 1985—financial confidence requires vigilance in the ordinary moments as much as careful planning in the big ones. Whether it's a suspicious text message or a rushed investment decision, slowing down for ten seconds can prevent problems that take months to fix. That's not fear-based thinking. It's the same steady, grounded approach we've always encouraged: pause, verify, and protect what you've worked to build. |
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Written and shared by Anthony S. Owens, on behalf of the team at McKee Financial Resources, Wealth Management Services.
Disclaimer: This material is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance. Copyright © 2025 Anthony S. Owens. All rights reserved. |