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Fake Courier and Delivery Scams (SMS, Calls, WhatsApp)

By , Cyber Security trainer LinkedIn Published: Last updated:

Fake courier scams SMS or call about a parcel fee, customs charge or missed delivery, then push a payment link or ask for card/UPI details. Do not tap. Track parcels only inside the official courier app or site you open yourself.

Quick steps

  1. Do not tap delivery fee links in unexpected SMS.
  2. Open the merchant or courier app you already use.
  3. If no order exists, delete/report the SMS.
  4. Never share card OTP with a “courier agent” on calls.
  5. Confirm odd customs claims via official sites.

Why this matters

Ben in Manchester nearly paid a £1.90 “Hermes/DHL” style fee link. Shalini in Nashik checked her real order status in the shop app instead.

Tiny fees feel harmless — that is the trick.

What you need to know

Pattern: unexpected delivery text + short link + urgency. Safe check: official courier/merchant app, not the SMS URL.

Courier SMS

  • Tap fee link in cold SMS — Unsafe
  • Open official courier app — Safer
  • Pay customs via random UPI to a person — Unsafe

How to do it (step by step)

  1. Do not tap delivery fee links in unexpected SMS.
  2. Open the merchant or courier app you already use.
  3. If no order exists, delete/report the SMS.
  4. Never share card OTP with a “courier agent” on calls.
  5. Confirm odd customs claims via official sites.
  6. Report repeated scam numbers.

Example: Shalini checks the shop app

Shalini’s shop app showed delivered yesterday — the SMS fee was fake.

Ben typed the courier’s real domain and found no fee due.

They warned their housing WhatsApp group with the SMS pattern (no link).

Common mistakes

  • Paying tiny fees “just in case”.
  • Calling back numbers inside the scam SMS.
  • Giving door ID photos to unknown WhatsApp couriers.

Trusted places to check

Quick revision

  • No taps on surprise fee links.
  • Use official tracking apps.
  • No OTP to courier callers.

Ravindra Bagale's Tip

Tiny fees are bait. Big card theft hides behind €1 / £1 / ₹1 style pages.

Quick quiz: check what you learned

  1. An SMS says pay a small fee to release your parcel. You should…

    1. Ignore the link and check tracking in the official app
    2. Pay at once so the parcel is not returned today
    3. Reply with your card OTP for faster customs clearance
    4. Forward the link to neighbours so they can test it
    Show answer

    A. Tiny unexpected fees via SMS are a common scam.

  2. Safest tracking method?

    1. Official courier or merchant app you open yourself
    2. Any short link that arrived with the delivery SMS
    3. A WhatsApp number claiming to be the delivery agent
    4. A pop-up on public Wi‑Fi asking for card details
    Show answer

    A. You start tracking yourself on known channels.

Learn more on this site

Short path above. These pages go deeper:

Frequently asked questions

What is this guide about?

It explains everyday safety for: fake courier scam, delivery fee SMS. Plain steps, no IT jargon required.

What is the one rule to remember?

Ignore unexpected delivery fee links. Track parcels only inside the official courier or shop app.

Do I need to be a cyber expert?

No. These steps are for parents, students, shoppers and anyone who uses a phone.

Where do I report if something already went wrong?

India: 1930 and cybercrime.gov.in. US: reportfraud.ftc.gov. UK: Action Fraud. Also tell your bank or the platform quickly.