Is this UPS text a scam?
Updated October 16, 2026 · 5 min read
A text claiming a UPS package is waiting, with a link and a request for payment or personal details, is a common scam. UPS says it doesn’t request payments or personal and financial information in an unsolicited way. The safest check is to track your parcel on ups.com yourself. Here is how to tell, and what to do.
The short answer
If you weren’t expecting a package, or the text wants money or personal details through a link, treat it as fake. UPS says the safest way to check for fees or required actions is to track the package directly on UPS.com. We can’t see your message, so no page can tell you for certain. If you’re unsure, don’t use the link: go to the company’s own app or website, or call a number you already trust.
What UPS says about scam messages
- UPS does not request payments, personal or financial information, account numbers, IDs or passwords in an unsolicited way.
- Fraudulent messages often claim a package is waiting and ask for information or a payment in advance.
- Links in these texts may contain malware or lead to a fake site.
- Scammers rely on urgency, so UPS advises slowing down.
A trick to watch for
TechRadar reported a version of this scam that asks you to reply with a letter such as “Y”. On many phones a link in a text from an unknown sender can’t be tapped until you reply, so the scammer asks you to, which makes the link active. Replying also tells them your number is in use. If a text asks you to reply so that a link will work, don’t.
What to do now
- Don’t click, tap or reply.
- Open ups.com or the UPS app yourself and track using your own tracking number.
- Report it to UPS at fraud@ups.com (the US page; other countries’ UPS pages may give a different address).
- Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and forward the text to 7726.
- Delete the message and block the number.
If you already clicked or paid
- Call your bank or card issuer immediately and ask for a new card.
- Change any password you typed, and anywhere you reuse it.
- Check your accounts and credit for new activity.
Check it again
You can also paste the message into our free scam text checker. It runs on your message and doesn’t store it.
Frequently asked questions
Does UPS send text messages?
UPS may send updates for shipments you’re involved in, but it says it doesn’t request payment or personal information in an unsolicited way. If in doubt, check on ups.com instead of the link.
Where do I report a fake UPS text?
UPS’s US fraud page says to alert fraud@ups.com. Also forward the text to 7726 and report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Why does the text ask me to reply Y?
On many phones links from unknown senders are disabled until you reply. Scammers ask for a reply to switch the link on.