Package Delivery Scams Are Looking to Exploit You With Phishing / Survey Pages! USPS, DHL, and More!
Author: Trend Micro
This article is from Trend Micro.
Isn’t there something inherently exciting about waiting for a package to be delivered? As strange as it may sound, most would say they agree! Especially when many of us are still spending most of our time at home. However, as always, scammers are out to ruin the fun!
We’ve reported on package delivery scams several times in the past, but this week new versions of them have gone viral, including USPS and DHL variants. Continue reading to check out how the scams work and to learn tips for how you can protect yourself!
How delivery phishing scams work
Posing as a delivery company, scammers send a fake delivery notification to you via text message or email. They claim that you have missed the delivery of a package or you have to pay a delivery fee to get the package. The notifications always contain a phishing link that the scammers want you to click on.
Why do they want people to click on the links? The scammers’ ultimate goal is to steal your personal information. They direct you to phishing sites so they can collect your sensitive data for their own good. The phishing links will lead you to:
- Fake online survey pages
In some cases, they lead to online survey pages that say you can claim a gift by completing an online questionnaire. After you fill out the survey, you are prompted to enter lots of personal information like credit card numbers before your gift can be delivered
- Fake login pages
In other instances, the links lead to fake login pages impersonating brands. These pages require you to submit login credentials to view your delivery status, change your settings, or whatever else the scammers have said that you need to do before your package can be delivered.
Scammers can record any information you enter on the phishing pages and use the data to commit further cybercrimes. For example, they could take control of your bank account, transfer all your money out, and even use your information to commit identity theft!
Current hot delivery phishing scams
USPS SMS Phishing Scam
Scammers impersonate USPS and ask you to check the status of your delivery or change your settings via the phishing link:
- USPS NOTICE: Your order is scheduled for delivery tomorrow. Check estimated time of arrival here: <URL>
- Hello Sandra, your USPS delivery with tracking code 48711 is waiting for you to set delivery preferences: <URL>
The link takes you to a fake online survey page (with the USPS logo) that says you’ve won an “exclusive gift”:
After you finish the survey, you need to enter a delivery address and credit card details to claim the gift. Guess what? The gift will never appear, and your credentials have been stolen by the scammers.
DHL Shipping Scam
DHL is one of the most frequently impersonated delivery companies. Scammers prompt you to click on the phishing link to track your package:
- Your DHL parcel is out FOR delivery today. Track or divert your parcel here: <URL>
- Your package with DHL (ePacket) is now in transit. <URL>
- Your order will be delivered by DHL tomorrow between 11:26 and 14:26. Track progress <URL>
The link in the text messages leads to a fake DHL page. Be careful! Everything you enter here will be sent directly to the scammers!
Delivery Scams via Email
Think package delivery scams only happen via text messages? Think again! Recently, we’ve detected scam emails that say your package can’t be delivered. We’ve seen them in various languages too, including English, Spanish, and French. Here are the subject lines from these bogus emails:
- Held Package for $ {victim’s email address}
- Su paquete no se pudo enviar
- Votre colis n’a pas été récupéré
- Un nouveau rappel est reçu
- Your delivery from AusPost Order
Here is an example email (in Spanish):
Scammers instruct you to click on the links in the email to confirm the status of your package. Again, the links are phishing links, leading to a fake tracking page where you are asked to enter personal information. Don’t fall for it!
How to Protect Yourself
- Double-check the sender’s mobile number/email address.
- Reach out to the official website or customer support of the delivery company directly for help if you think there are issues with your package.
- NEVER click links or attachments from unknown sources. Use Trend Micro Check to detect scams with ease!
1. After you pin the Trend Micro Check browser extension, it will block dangerous sites for you automatically:
2. Trend Micro Check on WhatsApp:
Send a link or a screenshot of a suspicious text message to Trend Micro Check on WhatsApp for immediate scam detection:
Download Trend Micro Maximum Security for even more protection, including Web Threat Protection, Ransomware Protection, Anti-phishing, and Anti-spam Protection. Gain access to the Privacy Scanner for Facebook and Twitter, Social Networking Protection, and Parental Controls, too. Click the button below to give it a try:
Report a Scam!
Have you fallen for a hoax, bought a fake product? Report the site and warn others!
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