Package delivery scams have become one of the most common forms of fraud targeting consumers today. UPS reschedule scams represent a particularly dangerous type of phishing attack that tricks people into believing they need to reschedule a delivery or pay additional fees.
These scams arrive as text messages that appear legitimate but are designed to steal your personal information or money.
Scammers know that most people receive regular deliveries and may not immediately question a message about rescheduling or delivery issues. Understanding how these scams work and knowing how to identify them can save you from financial loss and identity theft.
Key Takeaways
- UPS never requests payment through text messages for delivery reschedule fees, customs charges, or any other delivery related costs. Any text asking for money is automatically a scam.
- Legitimate UPS texts only come from specific numbers including 94601, 69877, 48515, and 52892 in the United States. Messages from random phone numbers claiming to be UPS are fraudulent.
- Real UPS communications never create artificial urgency with phrases like “immediate action required” or “expires in 24 hours.” Scammers use urgency to pressure you into making quick decisions.
- UPS only sends notifications if you have requested them through UPS My Choice or similar services. Unsolicited delivery messages are red flags for potential scams.
- All legitimate UPS links direct to official UPS.com domains while scam messages use suspicious URLs that may look similar but are not authentic UPS websites.
How UPS Reschedule Scams Actually Work
UPS reschedule scams follow a predictable pattern that makes them effective against unsuspecting victims. The scam begins with a text message that appears to come from UPS, claiming there was a delivery attempt or that your package requires rescheduling. The message creates a sense of urgency and includes a link for you to click.
These fake messages often mention specific details that make them seem legitimate. Scammers may reference tracking numbers, delivery addresses, or package descriptions to make their messages more convincing. They count on recipients being expecting deliveries or having recent online purchases.
The text message typically states that your delivery was unsuccessful due to an incorrect address, missed delivery attempt, or customs issue. It then instructs you to click a link to reschedule delivery, verify your address, or pay a small fee to complete delivery.
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Once you click the malicious link, you are directed to a fake website that closely resembles the official UPS site. These fraudulent sites are designed to steal your personal information, including your name, address, credit card details, and other sensitive data.
Warning Signs That Identify Fake UPS Messages
Learning to recognize the warning signs of fake UPS messages can protect you from falling victim to these scams. Poor grammar and spelling errors are common indicators of fraudulent messages, as legitimate UPS communications are professionally written and reviewed.
Unexpected messages about deliveries you were not expecting should raise immediate suspicion. Scammers often send mass messages hoping to catch people who might be expecting packages, but receiving a delivery notification when you have not ordered anything is a clear red flag.
The sender’s phone number provides another important clue. Legitimate UPS text messages in the United States only come from the official numbers 94601, 69877, 48515, or 52892. Any message claiming to be from UPS that comes from a different number is fraudulent.
Urgent language and immediate action requests are hallmarks of scam messages. Phrases like “act now,” “immediate response required,” or “expires today” are designed to create panic and prevent you from thinking clearly about the message’s authenticity.
Common Types of UPS Reschedule Scam Messages
UPS reschedule scams come in several variations, each designed to target different concerns and situations. The failed delivery attempt scam claims that UPS attempted to deliver your package but no one was available to receive it. The message asks you to click a link to reschedule delivery.
Address verification scams claim that your delivery address is incorrect or incomplete. These messages state that your package is being held and requires address confirmation before delivery can proceed. They direct you to a fake website to “verify” your information.
Customs fee scams target international shipments by claiming your package is being held at customs due to unpaid fees. The message requests immediate payment of a small amount, typically under $5, to release your package for delivery.
Delivery preference scams offer to let you choose specific delivery times or locations for your convenience. While legitimate UPS services do offer delivery options, scam messages use this as a way to collect personal information and preferences.
What Happens When You Click Scam Links
Clicking on links in UPS reschedule scam messages can have serious consequences for your personal security and financial wellbeing. The immediate risk is being directed to a fake website that closely mimics the official UPS site but is designed to harvest your personal information.
These fraudulent websites often request sensitive information including your full name, address, phone number, and credit card details. The sites may claim you need to pay a small delivery fee or verify your identity to receive your package.
Malware installation is another significant risk when clicking scam links. Some malicious links automatically download harmful software to your device, which can steal passwords, monitor your browsing activity, or access your personal files.
Your personal information collected through these scams can be sold to other criminals or used for identity theft. Scammers may use your data to open credit accounts, make purchases, or commit other forms of fraud in your name.
How Scammers Make Their Messages Look Authentic
Scammers have become increasingly sophisticated in creating convincing UPS reschedule scam messages. They use official UPS logos and branding to make their messages appear legitimate at first glance. The visual elements closely match genuine UPS communications.
Professional language and formatting help scam messages blend in with legitimate notifications. Scammers study real UPS messages and copy the tone, structure, and common phrases used in official communications.
Tracking numbers and reference codes are often included in scam messages to add credibility. While these numbers may look realistic, they are typically fake or stolen from legitimate packages belonging to other people.
Scammers also research common delivery scenarios and customer concerns to craft messages that address realistic situations. They understand that people worry about missed deliveries, incorrect addresses, and additional fees.
Steps to Verify Legitimate UPS Communications
When you receive a message claiming to be from UPS, several verification steps can help you determine its authenticity. Always check the sender’s phone number against the official UPS numbers: 94601, 69877, 48515, or 52892 in the United States.
Visit the official UPS website directly by typing UPS.com into your browser rather than clicking any links in the message. Use the tracking number provided in the message to check your package status through the official site.
Contact UPS customer service directly using the phone number listed on their official website if you have questions about a delivery. UPS representatives can verify whether any messages you received are legitimate.
Check your UPS My Choice account if you have one, as legitimate delivery notifications and reschedule options will appear in your account dashboard. This service provides the most reliable way to manage your UPS deliveries.
Protecting Your Personal Information from Scammers
Protecting yourself from UPS reschedule scams requires a combination of vigilance and smart security practices. Never provide personal information in response to unsolicited text messages, even if they appear to come from legitimate companies like UPS.
Enable two factor authentication on your important accounts, including email, banking, and shopping accounts. This extra security layer can prevent scammers from accessing your accounts even if they obtain your passwords.
Keep your software updated on all devices, including phones, computers, and tablets. Security updates often include protections against new types of malware and phishing attacks.
Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts and consider using a password manager to keep track of them securely. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
What to Do If You Fall Victim to a Scam
If you realize you have responded to a UPS reschedule scam, taking immediate action can help minimize the damage. Change your passwords immediately for all accounts that might be compromised, starting with your most important accounts like banking and email.
Contact your bank or credit card company if you provided financial information to scammers. They can monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and may need to issue new cards or freeze accounts to prevent unauthorized charges.
Monitor your credit reports closely for signs of identity theft. You can request free credit reports from all three major credit bureaus and should watch for new accounts or inquiries you did not authorize.
Document everything related to the scam, including screenshots of messages, websites visited, and any information you may have provided. This documentation can be helpful when reporting the incident to authorities.
How to Report UPS Reschedule Scams
Reporting UPS reschedule scams helps authorities track these crimes and potentially prevent others from becoming victims. Send screenshots of scam messages to UPS at their official fraud reporting email address: fraud@ups.com.
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission through their online reporting system at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC uses these reports to investigate scam trends and pursue legal action against scammers.
Report the scam to your state’s Attorney General office as many states have dedicated fraud investigation units. Some states also maintain databases of reported scams to warn other consumers.
Forward scam text messages to 7726 (SPAM), which is the short code used by wireless carriers to investigate and block fraudulent messages. This helps prevent the same scam messages from reaching other potential victims.
Building Long Term Protection Against Delivery Scams
Creating lasting protection against UPS reschedule scams and similar fraud requires developing good security habits and staying informed about new threats. Sign up for legitimate delivery notifications through official UPS My Choice or similar services from other carriers to know when you have real packages coming.
Educate family members about delivery scams, especially older adults who may be more vulnerable to these types of fraud. Share information about warning signs and verification steps with people in your household.
Stay informed about current scam trends by following official sources like UPS fraud alerts, FTC warnings, and cybersecurity news. Scammers constantly evolve their tactics, so staying updated helps you recognize new threats.
Trust your instincts when something seems suspicious. If a message creates urgency or asks for sensitive information, take time to verify its authenticity rather than responding immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UPS actually send reschedule text messages?
UPS only sends text notifications if you have specifically requested them through UPS My Choice and have a scheduled delivery.
What phone numbers does UPS use for legitimate texts?
In the United States, UPS only sends texts from these numbers: 94601, 69877, 48515, and 52892.
Will UPS ever ask for payment through text messages?
No, UPS never requests payment for delivery fees, customs charges, or any other costs through text messages.
What should I do if I clicked a link in a scam message?
Immediately change your passwords, check your accounts for suspicious activity, and run antivirus scans on your device.
How can I verify if a UPS message is real?
Check the sender number, visit UPS.com directly to track your package, or contact UPS customer service using their official phone number.
Where should I report UPS scam messages?
Send screenshots to fraud@ups.com, report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and forward the text to 7726 (SPAM).
Can scammers use real tracking numbers in fake messages?
Yes, scammers sometimes use legitimate tracking numbers from other packages to make their messages seem more credible.
What information do scammers typically request?
Scammers usually ask for personal details like addresses, phone numbers, credit card information, and login credentials for various accounts.
