UPS Scam Email: Don’t Let a “Delivery Problem” Empty Your Wallet

A UPS scam email usually hits when you’re busy, tired, or actually waiting on a delivery. It’s an email claiming there’s an issue with your UPS package, your package delivery, or your UPS account. The goal is simple: push us into immediate action before we think.

This guide breaks down the most common UPS scams, shows what they look like in real life, and gives clear steps to avoid fraud. We’ll also share how to verify things through the official UPS website, how to contact UPS directly, and how tools like VeePN can support better online safety later in the article.

Oliver Bennett

Jan 28, 2026

9 min read

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How a UPS scam email usually starts

Most UPS scams follow a familiar script: something is “wrong,” time is “running out,” and we need to click a link right now. The FTC has repeatedly warned about fake shipping notifications, especially around delivery problems that push links and payment requests.

The fake UPS delivery alert that uses fake tracking numbers

A classic fake UPS message says your delivery is stuck, then drops fake tracking numbers or a fake tracking number that “looks official.” It may claim a delivery scheduled window will be missed unless you pay a small delivery fee or “confirm details.” That’s where the trap is, because the next click often leads to fake UPS websites or other fraudulent websites built to collect payment info and personal information.

What makes it convincing is the timing. If we recently ordered something, we’re already expecting updates, so the scam blends into normal life. And if we didn’t order anything, the message still triggers anxiety because nobody wants random deliveries tied to their name or home address.

The FTC notes that scammers send fake shipping notifications all year long, often urging people to click to “fix” delivery issues.

The UPS text scam version: suspicious text messages with a malicious link

The same fraud often arrives as an UPS text scam: short, urgent text messages that say “address incomplete” or “delivery failed,” with a malicious link. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service calls these “smishing” attacks and explains they’re designed to steal sensitive information through texts.

The scary part is how little it takes. One tap can send us to malicious websites that ask for a card, an email login, or a phone verification. That’s why it’s smart to treat unexpected delivery texts as suspicious text messages first, and “maybe legit” second.

The FTC re p orted that losses to scams that start with texts hit $470 million in 2024, and fake package delivery problems were the most commonly reported text scam.

Why these UPS scam messages work so often

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: scammers rely on normal human reactions. Not hacking skills. Not fancy tech. Just pressure and distraction.

They create a sense of urgency and a false sense of risk

A scammer’s favorite tool is a sense of urgency. They’ll say your account will be locked, your card will be charged, or the package will be returned unless you act quickly. That pressure creates a false sense that we’re already in trouble, so we comply without verifying.

They also use unexpected requests that feel “small,” like “confirm your address” or “pay a small fee.” But once we enter details, it can snowball into further fraud, including attempts to drain financial accounts or take over logins.

They copy official UPS design flaws and web address tricks

Many scammers build fake websites that mimic the UPS website, including logos, colors, and layout. They count on us glancing, not reading. The giveaway is usually the web address. It might include “UPS” somewhere, but not match the real official UPS website.

The most common UPS scams beyond deliveries

Delivery scams are the headline, but they’re not the only game.

A fraudulent job offer that looks like easy work

One of the nastier angles is a fraudulent job offer. It may promise “work from home” with quick pay, then ask for personal docs, banking details, or “training fees.” UPS fraud guidance even describes a scam role called a returns processing position, where victims are told to receive packages and forward them.

This lines up with broader scam trends too. The FTC has flagged phony job opportunities as a common text scam category, which often starts with a message and grows into money or identity theft attempts.

If a job “recruiter” pushes fast onboarding, wants your social security number upfront, or asks you to move packages for unknown parties, treat it as a serious red flag.

Payment tricks: money orders, wire money, and fraudulent checks

Another common pattern is payment pressure. A scam email may demand money orders, ask you to wire money, or mention Western Union because those are hard to reverse. Some scams also involve fraudulent checks or fraudulent checks that “clear” at first, then bounce later, leaving you holding the loss.

Watch for language about “refunds,” “processing,” or “fees,” plus any mention of “pay to release delivery.” Legit carriers don’t require random payments through unusual channels for normal shipments.

Quick red flags that expose a fake UPS message

Let’s make this practical. If a message hits your inbox and you’re unsure, scan for these signs before doing anything.

Fast check: grammatical errors, phone calls, and fake websites

Grammatical errors that look like rushed, unnatural writing. Real companies can make typos, but scam messages often stack mistakes and odd phrasing. If it reads like it was stitched together, treat it as suspicious.
A random phone number that demands you call now. Scammers love pushing victims into phone calls because it’s easier to manipulate someone live than over email.
Links that lead to fake websites or other fraudulent websites. Hover on desktop, or press-and-hold on mobile to preview where a link goes. If the domain looks weird, it’s likely a trap.
“Confirm your details” pages that ask for personal information or payment info. The FTC warns that phishing is often about stealing account numbers or Social Security numbers.
Claims about “account activity” or charges you don’t recognize. Any alert about suspicious activity should be verified through known channels, not the message itself.

One user shared they received an email “from UPS” about a package they didn’t order, checked their bank, and wondered if someone used their email and address. The discussion basically lands on the same advice: verify through official tracking, don’t trust the message.

What to do if you clicked, replied, or paid

No panic. Fast, clean steps beat stress-scrolling.

If you entered bank account or card details

If you typed anything sensitive, assume the scammer may try to gain access again, or escalate into identity theft.

Do this right away:

Contact your bank and ask them to watch for unauthorized transactions and suspicious or unauthorized transactions on your bank account and linked cards.
Freeze or monitor your credit report if personal identifiers were shared, especially your social security number.
Update passwords for the email you used, then turn on two factor authentication so a stolen password alone can’t open the door.
Check authorized user lists on cards where that applies, so nobody quietly adds themselves as an extra user.
Regularly monitor statements for small “test” charges like inbound charges, because scammers often probe first, then hit bigger later.

If you’re unsure what was exposed, treat it as if it was. It’s safer and usually faster to lock things down than to wait.

If you clicked phishing links on your phone or computer

A click doesn’t always mean you’re compromised, but it does increase risk, especially if you downloaded anything or logged in.

Here’s the cleanup plan:

Close the page, then run a device scan to check for malware.
Change passwords for any account you typed into that page. Focus on email first, because email access can unlock everything else.
Watch for follow-up messages. Scammers often send new suspicious messages after a first interaction, trying different angles for further fraud.
If you want a step-by-step “what now” playbook, VeePN has a practical guide on what to do after clicking a phishing link.

How to verify a UPS message and report the scam

This is the safest rule: never verify using the same message that scared you.

Contact UPS directly the safe way

If you suspect the email might be real, contact UPS using the official UPS website and channels you find there, not the link inside the email. That’s what the FTC recommends for shipping notifications: use a site or number you know is real.

If you got an email or text that looks fraudulent, you can also report it. Consumer organizations note that suspicious UPS texts can be forwarded for review, and reporting helps track active campaigns.

Also, file a report with the federal trade commission if money or sensitive data was involved. The FTC explains how phishing works and why reporting matters.

How VeePN helps you avoid UPS phishing email traps

A VPN won’t replace common sense, but it can reduce your exposure when scams push you toward risky clicks, sketchy pages, and public Wi-Fi. Here’s how VeePN supports safer browsing when online scams spike:

Encryption: VeePN protects your connection with strong encryption, creating an encrypted tunnel that makes it much harder to snoop on what you’re doing, especially on public networks.
Change IP address: By routing traffic through a VPN server, VeePN helps you change your IP and reduce casual tracking that can feed scam targeting. It’s one more privacy layer when scammers are trying to profile victims.
Kill Switch: If the VPN connection drops, Kill Switch can cut internet access to prevent accidental exposure. This matters when you’re logging into important accounts after a scare.
NetGuard: Blocking known trackers and harmful domains helps reduce accidental visits to malicious websites and fake websites that show up in phishing campaigns.
Breach Alert: If your data shows up in a leak, alerts can help you react before scammers use it for account takeovers or sell it on the dark web.
Antivirus: Extra protection helps catch malicious files that sometimes arrive through attachments or shady downloads linked from scam emails.

Want an extra safety layer against phishing links and sketchy sites? Try VeePN risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

FAQ

Start by ignoring the link in the UPS scam email and checking the delivery inside your own UPS account on the official UPS website. Look closely at the sender and the web address, because fake UPS websites often mimic the brand but use odd domains. If it still feels off, contact UPS directly through official support. Discover more in this article.

Sometimes someone mistyped an email when ordering, and sometimes it’s just a scam using a random address. If the email mentions a tracking number, verify it on the official UPS website instead of trusting the messages. If you see unexpected requests for payment info or a delivery fee, treat it as suspicious right away.

Yes, and it’s basically a phishing scam where criminals impersonate official UPS or UPS representatives to steal logins or payment details. You’ll see it as fraudulent emails or fraudulent text messages that push phishing links to fake websites. If you clicked, lock down your account and keep an eye on unauthorized transactions.

Big signs include grammatical errors, pressure to take immediate action, and links that don’t match the real UPS website. Another red flag is being pushed into phone calls with a random phone number or being asked to pay via money orders, wire money, or Western Union. If anything mentions fraudulent checks or “refund processing,” stop and verify through official channels.

Written by Oliver Bennett Oliver Bennett is a dedicated cyber security content writer with a knack for breaking down intricate cyber topics into accessible and actionable insights.