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These text messages claim there's a problem with your delivery. Mayes warns it might be a scam

Woman using smartphone to call or text in desert area
Getty Images

Arizona’s attorney general is sounding the alarm about package delivery scams, in which fraudsters pretend to be companies like UPS, FedEx or the postal service.

Attorney General Kris Mayes has issued a consumer alert warning about these scams which aim to steal personal and financial information. The scam typically works like this: fraudsters send text messages or an email claiming there’s a problem with an upcoming delivery.

The message includes a link that looks like it came from a legit carrier — but clicking that link can lead to identity theft or financial fraud. Criminals have even gone so far as to place “missed delivery” tags on front doors with fake callback numbers.

A few red flags include a sense of urgency, requests for personal information or unexpected messages about a package — even if you haven’t ordered anything.

Warning signs to watch for

  • Unexpected messages about a package, especially if you haven't ordered anything
  • A sense of urgency — scammers push you to act immediately before you can think clearly
  • Requests for personal or financial information — legitimate carriers don't ask for this to complete a delivery
  • Links or contact information with slightly altered brand names (e.g., "fed-ex.com" or "fedX.com" instead of fedex.com)
  • A "missed delivery" door tag with an unfamiliar phone number

How to Protect Yourself

  • Do not click links in unsolicited texts or emails about package deliveries
  • If you receive a tracking number, verify it by going directly to the carrier's official website — never through a link in a message you received
  • If you receive a missed delivery notice, call the carrier's official number to follow up, not the number on the tag
  • Do not return calls to unknown numbers claiming to be delivery services

If you believe you have been the victim of consumer fraud, you can file a consumer complaint by visiting the Attorney General’s website.

If you need a complaint form sent to you, you can contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at 602-542-5763, in Tucson at 520-628-6648, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at 800-352-8431.

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KJZZ senior field correspondent Kathy Ritchie has 20 years of experience reporting and writing stories for national and local media outlets — nearly a decade of it has been spent in public media.
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