Attorney General Mayes Warns Arizonans: That Package Notification Could Be a Scam

PHOENIX — Attorney General Kris Mayes today issued a consumer alert warning Arizonans about the threat of package delivery scams, in which fraudsters impersonate major shipping carriers like UPS, FedEx, or the U.S. Postal Service to steal personal and financial information from unsuspecting consumers.

Package delivery scams typically begin with an unsolicited text message or email claiming that a package is on its way, or that there's a problem with an upcoming delivery. The message includes a link designed to look like it comes from a legitimate carrier, but clicking it can expose victims to malware, identity theft, or financial fraud.

"Scammers are counting on the fact that many Arizonans have packages coming and going constantly," said Attorney General Mayes. "By creating just enough urgency they get people to click before they think. If you get an unexpected text or email about a package, slow down and don’t react — it's almost certainly a scam."

How the Scam Works

Fraudsters send messages mimicking official carrier communications, urging recipients to click a link to resolve a delivery issue or update payment information. In some cases, scammers call directly, impersonating delivery companies and pressuring consumers to provide personal details. In others, criminals have gone so far as to place fake "missed delivery" tags on front doors with fraudulent callback numbers.

Regardless of the method, the goal is the same: to steal your money and your personal information or identity.

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've Been Targeted

Consumers who receive suspicious delivery notifications should report them to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. Anyone who provided personal information to a scammer should contact the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus, Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Anyone who shared financial information should contact their bank immediately.

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.