Every December, package carriers report a surge in scam attempts — and many of them start with a single text message. One study found that delivery-related scams jump by more than 70% during the holidays, making them one of the most common ways shoppers lose money this time of year. If you’ve ever gotten a random “package pending” text that felt a little off, you’re not imagining it. Scammers know we’re all ordering more online, tracking more shipments, and moving quickly through busy days.
Related Page: The Top Scams and Fraud Threats to Watch for in 2026 (and How to Protect Yourself)
And that’s exactly the moment they strike.
As a community bank, we see how these scams affect people in real life — the missed warning signs, the financial stress, and the frustration when someone realizes their trust was taken advantage of. That’s why this guide is here. We want to help you (and your family) move through the holiday season with confidence, clarity, and a better sense of what these fake carrier texts actually look like.
Let’s walk through what’s happening, how scammers trick smart shoppers, and the steps you can take to stay safe.
Holiday delivery scams thrive on one thing: timing.
From November through December, the average household receives more packages than at any other point in the year. That makes it easier for scammers to guess that you’re expecting something. They don't need to know what you ordered — they just need you to believe the message might be legitimate.
Fake messages often sound urgent:
Scammers rely on the fact that you may be in the middle of work, running errands, or distracted by holiday plans. When you’re pressed for time, you're more likely to click first and think later.
Delivery companies frequently send out tracking updates, which means scam texts blend right in. The mix of legitimate and fraudulent notifications makes it harder for people to separate what’s real from what’s fake at a glance.
These scams may take different forms, but they share a similar structure: a short text plus a link designed to steal information or money.
Here’s what you’ll likely see.
These claim there’s a problem with your delivery:
The link leads to a fake website that collects personal information and payment details.
You may see:
Real carriers never request small payments through text message links.
These texts pretend to offer a delivery window:
The link usually directs you to a well-designed fake site.
These notifications use fear and urgency:
Scammers hope panic pushes you to click quickly.
The message includes a tracking number — often one that looks real at a glance but doesn’t match carrier formats.
Scammers are getting more sophisticated every year. Here’s how they imitate official delivery services convincingly.
Instead of coming from a random number, messages may show:
This is called SMS spoofing, and it makes the text look like it came from a legitimate source.
Fake pages often include:
These details make the scam feel believable.
Scammers know people look for the padlock icon. They buy SSL certificates to make their fake sites appear secure.
Some fake messages now include:
This information is often scraped from past data breaches — not from any real package order.
This is where the real damage starts.
Fake sites collect:
Scammers then use that data for identity theft or to orchestrate more targeted scams.
Many scam pages ask you to pay a small “delivery fee.” Once you enter your card number, they immediately begin making unauthorized purchases.
Some links lead to malware downloads on mobile devices. This can give scammers access to:
Some fake sites mimic carrier login pages and attempt to collect usernames and passwords — giving scammers access to your real accounts.
Here’s a short checklist you can rely on. If a text checks even one of these boxes, delete it.
Never click the link. Instead, go directly to:
Use your own tracking number — not the one in the text.
Legitimate apps will show all package details. If an alert doesn’t appear in the app, it’s fake.
Even if you didn’t click anything, you can take a few quick steps to protect your information.
Immediately:
Time matters. Do the following right away:
We can help you identify unauthorized activity and secure your account.
This prevents additional charges.
Prioritize email, banking, and shopping accounts.
This adds an extra layer of security.
As a community bank, we take fraud protection seriously — especially during the holiday shopping season.
Most debit and credit cards offer protection against unauthorized purchases when reported quickly.
We actively monitor unusual activity and can alert you if something looks off.
From account alerts to card controls, you can stay on top of your finances with built-in safety features designed to catch irregular transactions.
You’re not calling a distant call center. You’re reaching out to people who live and work right here — and who genuinely care about helping you protect your money.
Avoid clicking on anything that comes through text or email. Use these safer methods instead:
Every legitimate retailer provides:
Direct tracking is always safest.
These services give you verified updates — not scams.
When holiday shopping ramps up, it helps to keep a small list or digital note:
That way, you’ll know whether a random text makes sense or not.
The truth is, scammers target everyone — especially older adults, college students, and busy parents juggling multiple deliveries.
“If you didn’t expect a package or you didn’t order anything, the text is fake.”
Show them:
Real-world examples help build quick recognition.
If someone in your family isn’t sure, tell them to reach out before clicking anything. A 10-second phone call can prevent a major headache.
Reporting scams helps prevent future fraud.
Each has dedicated fraud-reporting tools.
The Federal Trade Commission collects scam data:
https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
If financial information may be compromised, contact us immediately.
For large losses or identity theft, filing a police report can help document the case.
Scams change constantly, but a few timeless habits make a big difference.
Even if they look official.
Go straight to the source — whether it’s a carrier, retailer, or bank.
Real-time alerts help you catch fraud early.
Security updates fix vulnerabilities scammers try to exploit.
Especially for email and financial accounts.
The holidays should be a time of joy, connection, and community — not stress over scams. At our bank, we believe that financial peace of mind is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. That’s why we’re committed to helping our neighbors stay informed, stay protected, and stay confident when it comes to their money.
If you ever receive a suspicious text or think your information may have been compromised, we’re here to help. Give us a call, stop by a financial center, or connect with us online. Together, we can make sure your holiday season stays merry, bright, and scam-free.