FedEx scams
Last updated September 18, 2026
The short answer
FedEx scams involve fake delivery notification texts or emails claiming your package can't be delivered. The messages include links to phishing sites that steal your personal or financial information. FedEx will never text or email you asking for payment or personal details to deliver a package.
FedEx is one of the most commonly impersonated shipping companies in smishing (SMS phishing) and email phishing scams. Scammers send millions of fake delivery notifications designed to catch people who are expecting packages. Because online shopping is so common, these messages frequently reach someone who actually has a FedEx delivery in transit.
How FedEx scams work
- 1
Fake delivery failure text or email
You receive a text or email saying "FedEx: Your package could not be delivered. Reschedule delivery" with a link. The link leads to a fake FedEx website that asks for personal information and a small "redelivery fee."
- 2
Phishing site captures payment info
The fake site requests your credit card number to pay a small fee (usually $1-$5). The real goal is capturing your full card details for larger fraudulent charges.
- 3
Personal information theft
Some fake FedEx sites also ask for your full name, address, date of birth, and even Social Security number, claiming it's needed to verify your identity before redelivery.
- 4
Customs or duty fee scam
An email claims your international FedEx package is held at customs and requires a duty payment before release. The link goes to a phishing site. FedEx handles customs fees through their official billing system, not via random emails.
Warning signs
- A text about a FedEx delivery asks you to click a link to reschedule
- You're asked to pay a fee to receive your package
- The URL in the message doesn't go to fedex.com
- You're not expecting any FedEx deliveries
- The message creates urgency, like "package will be returned in 24 hours"
- An email asks for personal information to release a customs-held package
Examples
"FedEx: Delivery attempted" text scam
You get a text: "FedEx: We attempted delivery of your package. Schedule redelivery: [suspicious link]." The link goes to "fedex-delivery-update.test" (not fedex.com) and asks for your address, phone number, and $2.99 redelivery fee with a credit card.
Fake customs duty email
An email from "FedEx International Shipping" says your package from overseas is held at customs and requires a $45.00 duty payment. The email includes a link to pay. The site looks like FedEx but captures your full credit card information.
What to do
- Don't click links in unexpected FedEx texts or emails. Track packages at fedex.com directly.
- Forward suspicious FedEx emails to abuse@fedex.com.
- If you entered credit card info on a fake site, call your card company immediately to report it compromised.
- Report fake FedEx texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM).
- Monitor your credit card statements for unauthorized charges.
Report it to FedEx
Forward the message, with full headers where you can, to abuse@fedex.com.
Getting your money back
If you entered payment information on a fake FedEx site, contact your credit card company immediately to report the card compromised and request a new one. Monitor your statements for unauthorized charges. If you shared personal information, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports with the three major bureaus.
Frequently asked questions
Does FedEx send text messages about deliveries?
FedEx does offer text tracking updates, but only if you specifically enrolled through fedex.com or the FedEx app. FedEx will never send unsolicited texts asking for payment, personal information, or asking you to click a link to reschedule delivery.
How can I tell if a FedEx email is real?
Real FedEx emails come from addresses ending in @fedex.com. They reference a specific tracking number you can verify at fedex.com. FedEx never asks for credit card info, passwords, or Social Security numbers via email. When in doubt, go directly to fedex.com.
What should I do with a fake FedEx text?
Don't click any links. Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) and then delete it. If you already clicked a link and entered information, contact your bank and monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity.
Other companies scammers impersonate
Scams reuse their scripts across brands. If you were contacted about FedEx, these are the guides worth reading next.