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Parcel Delivery Scams: Fake Tracking Links and Fee Traps

Updated 26 January 2026

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Parcel delivery scams are Australia's most common text scam. Everyone shops online, everyone expects parcels, so these messages catch lots of people off guard. The scam links lead to fake sites that steal your card details.

Quick Verdict

What it usually is: Phishing pages disguised as delivery company websites, designed to steal your card details via fake "redelivery fees" or "customs charges".

Who gets targeted: Everyone. These are mass-sent texts hoping to catch someone actually waiting for a parcel.

Real vs Fake: How to Tell

Real AusPost never:

  • Sends SMS with clickable links for redelivery
  • Asks for payment via text message
  • Uses domains other than auspost.com.au

How real notifications work:

  • Card left at your door or in letterbox
  • Notification in the AusPost app
  • Collection from post office with tracking number and ID

Red Flags to Look For

  • Random mobile number as sender — Real AusPost messages come from "AusPost", not +61 4xx xxx xxx
  • Strange domains — auspost-delivery.net, auspost-au.com, tracking-parcel.info — all fake
  • "Pay a small fee" — $2.50 redelivery, $1.95 customs fee — designed to seem too small to question
  • Urgency — "Parcel will be returned in 24 hours" or "final delivery attempt"
  • No tracking number — Or a tracking number that doesn't match anything you ordered
  • Weren't expecting a parcel — If you haven't ordered anything, it's definitely a scam

Realistic Examples

The Redelivery Fee Scam

"AustPost: We attempted delivery but no one was home. Pay $2.99 redelivery fee to reschedule: auspost-au-track.com/redeliver"

Reality: AusPost doesn't charge redelivery fees via SMS. That domain is fake. The site will look real and steal your card details.

The Customs Charge

"DHL: Your international parcel is held at customs. Pay $3.50 processing fee to release: dhl-customs-au.com/pay"

Reality: Real customs charges come with official documentation and are paid to ABF, not via random text links. DHL would contact you through official channels.

The Address Confirmation

"FedEx: We couldn't deliver your package due to incomplete address. Confirm details here: fedex-au-delivery.info"

Reality: They want you to enter your address, name, and card "for verification". It's all harvested for fraud.

What to Do Next

  1. Don't click the link — Delete the message immediately.
  2. Check directly — Go to auspost.com.au or the official carrier site and enter your tracking number.
  3. Use official apps — AusPost, DHL, FedEx apps show real delivery status.
  4. Report it — Forward scam SMS to 0429 999 888 (Scamwatch SMS reporting).
  5. Block the number — Though scammers use different numbers constantly.

If You Entered Your Card Details

  • Call your bank immediately — Report the card compromised and get it cancelled.
  • Monitor statements — Watch for unauthorized charges over the coming weeks.
  • Report to Scamwatch — scamwatch.gov.au
  • Consider a credit check — If you entered personal details too, watch for identity theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I keep getting these even though I never click?

Scammers send millions of messages randomly. Your number was probably generated or is on a leaked list. Getting the texts doesn't mean you're being specifically targeted.

Does AusPost ever send legitimate SMS?

Yes, for tracking updates — but never with payment links. Real AusPost SMS tells you your parcel status and where to collect it, no links to pay fees.

What if I'm actually waiting for a parcel?

Check your order confirmation for the tracking number, then track directly on the official carrier website. Don't use any links from SMS.

Can they steal money if I just clicked but didn't enter details?

Usually no. Just visiting the page doesn't give them access. The danger is entering information. If you just clicked and closed, you're probably fine.

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