How to Spot Parcel Delivery Scam Calls and Texts
Introduction
Parcel delivery scam calls and texts are common in Australia because they exploit something many people are already expecting: a package. The message may claim that a delivery failed, an address is incomplete, customs information is missing, a small redelivery fee must be paid, or a parcel will be returned unless you act quickly.
These scams often look simple, but they can be dangerous. A small payment request may be designed to capture your card details. A fake tracking link may lead to a phishing page that asks for your name, address, phone number, date of birth, card information, online banking details, or verification codes. Some scams may also send follow-up calls, emails, or messages to make the story seem more convincing.
Australia Post warns that delivery scams often impersonate delivery services and ask people to pay fees, provide personal details, or follow links connected to fake parcel issues. Australia Post has also published scam alerts about messages asking people to verify an address and transfer money to receive a parcel delivery, and advises people not to respond or send money to suspicious delivery messages.
This guide explains how to spot parcel delivery scam calls and texts, how to verify delivery information safely, what warning signs to look for, and where Australians can report suspicious parcel messages.
Why parcel delivery scams work
Parcel scams work because online shopping, courier tracking, and delivery notifications are now part of everyday life. Many Australians receive legitimate courier updates by text or email, especially after shopping online or ordering from overseas. Scammers copy this familiar pattern and use it to create urgency.
The scammer’s goal is usually to make you click before you think. They may use a short message, a familiar courier brand, a realistic-looking tracking number, or a small fee that feels low enough to pay quickly. Once you enter your details, the scammer may be able to steal your card information, attempt unauthorised payments, take over accounts, or use your personal information for further scams.
Australia Post warns people to be wary of SMS messages that ask them to click a link to resolve a delivery issue or pay a delivery fee. This is especially important during busy shopping periods, such as Christmas, Boxing Day sales, Black Friday, and other times when people may genuinely be waiting for deliveries.
Common signs of parcel delivery scam calls and texts
1. The message is unexpected
If you are not expecting a parcel, treat any delivery message with extra caution. Scam messages often rely on curiosity. You may click because you wonder whether someone sent you something or whether an online order has been delayed.
Even if you are expecting a parcel, do not assume the message is genuine. Scammers often send delivery messages at random because many people will be waiting for something at any given time.
2. The message includes a suspicious link
Parcel delivery scams commonly include links that appear to lead to a tracking page, redelivery form, customs payment page, or address confirmation page. The page may use courier branding, official-looking colours, logos, and form fields to appear legitimate.
Do not click links from unknown texts or emails. Instead, go directly to the courier’s official website or app and check the delivery using a real tracking number.
3. You are asked to pay a small fee
A common scam tactic is to ask for a small payment, such as a redelivery fee, customs fee, postage correction fee, or address update fee. The small amount is designed to feel harmless, but the payment page may capture your card details for later fraud.
Australia Post warns that text messages asking you to click a link to pay a delivery fee can lead to fake websites designed to steal your details. Be wary of messages asking you to pay customs or delivery fees through a link; Australia Post warns that these links can lead to fake websites designed to steal your details.
4. The message asks for too much personal information
A real courier may need delivery instructions or address clarification in some cases, but a suspicious message may ask for unnecessary details such as full name, date of birth, card number, security code, online banking credentials, identity documents, or verification codes.
If a delivery message asks for payment information or identity information through a link, stop and verify through the courier’s official website or customer service channel.
5. The message creates urgency
Parcel scams often say your package will be returned, cancelled, delayed, destroyed, or held unless you act immediately. Urgency is used to prevent careful checking.
If the message says “final notice”, “last chance”, “delivery failed”, “pay now”, “customs hold”, or “confirm within 24 hours”, treat it as suspicious until verified through official channels.
Common parcel scam scripts
Parcel scams may arrive by text, email, WhatsApp, phone call, or social media message. The wording changes, but many scams follow the same patterns.
| Scam script | What the message may say | What scammers want | Safer response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Failed delivery | “We tried to deliver your parcel but no one was home.” | Click, card details, redelivery fee, or address details. | Check tracking through the courier’s official website or app. |
| Incomplete address | “Your parcel is delayed because your address is incomplete.” | Name, address, phone number, and sometimes card details. | Do not use the link. Contact the courier or sender directly. |
| Small redelivery fee | “Pay $1.99 / $2.50 / $3.00 to reschedule delivery.” | Card number, expiry date, CVV, and possible verification codes. | Do not pay through a message link. Verify through official channels. |
| Customs hold | “Your parcel is held by Customs. Pay now to release it.” | Payment details and personal information. | Be highly cautious. Australia Post warns that delivery-fee text messages with links can lead to fake websites. |
| Fake tracking update | “Track your package here” with a shortened or unfamiliar link. | Clicks, phishing details, malware, or account information. | Enter the tracking number manually on the official courier website. |
| WhatsApp delivery message | “Verify your address and transfer money to receive your delivery.” | Money transfer or personal information. | Australia Post asks people to send suspicious emails, invoices or text messages claiming to be from Australia Post to scams@auspost.com.au. Do not respond or send money. |
How to verify delivery information safely
The safest way to check a parcel message is to move away from the message and verify through a trusted source. Do not use the link, phone number, or payment page supplied in the suspicious text or call.
Do not click the link. Close the message and avoid opening any attached page.
Find the tracking number from your order confirmation. Use the tracking number from the retailer, marketplace, or courier confirmation you already trust.
Go to the courier’s official website or app. Type the website address yourself or use an app you installed from an official app store.
Check the tracking status directly. If the parcel exists, the official tracking page should show the current status and any real delivery issue.
Contact the sender or retailer if unsure. If the courier cannot confirm the issue, ask the retailer or sender for help.
Be extra cautious if you are not expecting a parcel. Unexpected parcel messages are often designed to trigger curiosity.
Official verification options for Australian parcel messages
Different courier companies may use different tracking systems, customer service channels, or delivery notification methods. The important rule is to start from the official channel, not from a suspicious message.
| Situation | Do not use | Use instead |
|---|---|---|
| You receive a text saying a parcel failed delivery. | The link in the text message. | The courier’s official tracking page or app. |
| You receive a message asking for a redelivery fee. | The payment form in the message. | Official courier support or the retailer’s order page. |
| You receive a customs payment message. | The payment link or phone number in the message. | Official courier, freight forwarder, or sender information. Be cautious of messages claiming direct Customs payment. |
| You receive a WhatsApp message about a parcel. | The WhatsApp conversation or payment request. | Official courier website, app, or customer service number. |
| You receive a call asking to confirm card details for delivery. | The caller’s instructions or caller ID. | Hang up and contact the courier or sender through official contact details. |
| You are unsure which courier is handling the parcel. | Random links from messages. | The retailer’s order confirmation or marketplace tracking page. |
Warning signs in parcel scam links
Many parcel scams rely on fake websites. Some look convincing, but there are usually signs that the link should not be trusted.
| Warning sign | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| The link uses a shortened URL. | Shortened links can hide the real destination. | Do not click. Go to the courier’s official website yourself. |
| The domain looks slightly wrong. | Scammers often use misspellings, extra words, hyphens, or unusual endings. | Compare only against the official website, not the message. |
| The page asks for card details for a tiny fee. | The fee may be a trap to capture payment information. | Do not enter card details. Verify with the courier or retailer. |
| The page asks for a one-time code. | The code may approve a payment or account access. | Never share verification codes through a parcel link. |
| The message has spelling errors or odd grammar. | This can be a sign of a scam, although some scam messages are well written. | Treat it as suspicious and verify independently. |
| The message threatens return or cancellation if you do not act quickly. | Urgency is used to make you click without checking. | Pause and check the official tracking status. |
What information parcel scammers may try to collect
Parcel scams are not always about the small fee. The real target may be your payment details, identity information, or account access.
| Information requested | Why scammers want it | Risk level |
|---|---|---|
| Full name, address, and phone number | Can be used for more targeted scams or identity profiling. | Medium |
| Card number, expiry date, and CVV | Can be used for unauthorised payments or card testing. | High |
| Online banking login details | Can allow account takeover or attempted theft. | Very high |
| One-time verification codes | Can approve payments, password resets, or new device registration. | Very high |
| Passport, driver licence, or date of birth | Can support identity fraud or future impersonation scams. | High |
| Remote access to your phone or computer | Can expose email, banking, saved passwords, and personal files. | Very high |
Parcel scam calls versus parcel scam texts
Parcel scams often start with a text message, but they can also involve phone calls. Sometimes a scammer may call after you click a link or enter partial information. The caller may claim they need to “complete verification”, “reverse a payment”, “confirm your bank”, or “secure your card”.
| Format | Common tactic | Main danger | Safe response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text message | Fake tracking link or redelivery payment link. | Phishing page collecting card or identity details. | Do not click. Report the text and check official tracking. |
| Fake courier branding and delivery attachment. | Phishing, malware, fake invoice, or fake payment page. | Do not open attachments or links. Verify through the courier or retailer. | |
| Phone call | Caller says delivery cannot proceed without payment or verification. | Card theft, identity theft, or verification code theft. | Hang up and contact the courier through official details. |
| WhatsApp or social message | Message asks you to verify address or transfer money. | Payment scam or personal data collection. | Do not respond. Australia Post asks people to send suspicious emails, invoices or text messages claiming to be from Australia Post to scams@auspost.com.au. |
If you clicked a parcel scam link
Clicking a suspicious link does not always mean you have lost money or been hacked, but you should act quickly if you entered information, downloaded anything, or approved a payment.
| What happened | Immediate action | Who to contact |
|---|---|---|
| You clicked the link but entered no information. | Close the page. Do not download anything. Monitor your device and messages. | No immediate contact may be needed, but report the scam text if appropriate. |
| You entered card details. | Contact your bank immediately. Ask them to block or monitor the card and review recent transactions. | Your bank’s official fraud or customer support team. |
| You entered a verification code. | Contact your bank or affected account provider immediately. Change passwords and review account activity. | Your bank, email provider, or relevant service provider. |
| You entered online banking details. | Contact your bank immediately from a trusted phone number. Do not wait. | Your bank’s fraud team. |
| You downloaded an app or file. | Disconnect from the internet if you suspect malware, avoid online banking on that device, and seek trusted technical help. | Your bank if financial details are at risk, and trusted IT support. |
| You lost money. | Contact your bank immediately and report the fraud. | Your bank and police if fraud occurred. |
How to report parcel scam texts in Australia
Reporting scam texts helps reduce harm and may support wider investigations into scam campaigns. The ACMA says spam text messages can be forwarded to 0429 999 888 (standard message charges apply). You can also report the scam to Scamwatch to help protect others.
If the scam involves financial loss, contact your bank immediately. If fraud has occurred, you may also need to report it to police. If you need scam advice or support, IDCARE provides help for people dealing with scams and identity misuse in Australia.
| Situation | Where to report or get help | Useful information to keep |
|---|---|---|
| You received a suspicious parcel text. | Forward the message to the ACMA on 0429 999 888. | The original text, sender number, link, and time received. |
| You received a suspicious parcel email. | Report to the impersonated courier or organisation, and seek scam advice if needed. | Email headers if available, sender address, links, attachments, and screenshots. |
| You entered card or banking details. | Your bank immediately. | Transaction details, screenshots, link used, and time of entry. |
| You lost money. | Your bank and police. | Payment records, messages, call logs, account details involved, and screenshots. |
| You need help understanding whether it is a scam. | Scamwatch. | Message content, phone number, link, and what action you took. |
Common mistakes to avoid
Clicking the link because the fee is small. The real risk is not the small fee; it is the card and identity information you enter.
Assuming the message is genuine because you are expecting a parcel. Scammers send these messages broadly because many people are waiting for deliveries.
Trusting a logo or courier name. Fake pages can copy branding from real delivery companies.
Using the phone number in the message. Contact the courier or retailer through official details you find yourself.
Sharing verification codes. A parcel company should not need your banking or account login verification code.
Ignoring a scam after entering card details. Contact your bank quickly, even if no money has disappeared yet.
Assuming customs payment messages are safe. Australia Post warns that unexpected messages asking for a delivery payment through a link should be treated as scams.
Practical parcel scam checklist
Use this checklist whenever you receive a parcel delivery call, text, email, or social message that feels suspicious.
| Check | Question to ask | Safe action |
|---|---|---|
| Expectation | Am I actually expecting a parcel? | If not, be extra cautious and do not click links. |
| Tracking number | Does this tracking number match an order confirmation I already have? | Use the tracking number from the retailer or courier confirmation. |
| Link | Does the message ask me to click a link? | Do not click. Go to the official courier website or app. |
| Payment | Is it asking for a small fee or card details? | Stop and verify directly with the courier or retailer. |
| Information | Is it asking for personal details, banking details, or codes? | Do not provide them through the message. |
| Urgency | Does it threaten return, cancellation, or customs hold unless I act now? | Pause and verify through official channels. |
| Reporting | Is it clearly suspicious? | Forward scam texts to the ACMA on 0429 999 888 and report to the relevant organisation if needed. |
Practical takeaways
Parcel delivery scam calls and texts are designed to feel routine. They often use small fees, fake tracking links, incomplete address claims, customs wording, or failed delivery messages to make people act quickly.
Do not click parcel links from unknown or suspicious texts.
Use the courier’s official website or app to check a real tracking number.
Be cautious of small delivery fees, redelivery fees, customs payment claims, and address verification forms.
Never enter card details, banking details, passwords, or verification codes through a suspicious parcel link.
If you are not expecting a parcel, treat the message as higher risk.
If you entered card or banking details, contact your bank immediately.
Forward scam texts to the ACMA on 0429 999 888 and report serious fraud or financial loss to the appropriate organisation.
The safest rule is simple: do not let a parcel message control the next step. Leave the message, go directly to the courier or retailer through official channels, and verify the delivery before sharing information or making any payment.
References
Author / Editorial Team
This article was prepared by our editorial team to help Australian users recognise parcel delivery scam calls and texts. It draws on guidance from Australian online safety, courier, consumer protection, digital safety, and police sources, combined with practical steps for checking parcel messages safely.
Parcel scam tactics change over time, and scammers may impersonate different courier brands, retailers, government agencies, or payment providers. This guide should be treated as general safety information rather than legal, financial, or technical incident advice. If you have entered card details, banking information, verification codes, or identity information into a suspicious parcel link, contact your bank or relevant service provider as soon as possible.
