TL;DR: FedEx states it never asks for payment or personal information in exchange for releasing a package. A text demanding a fee is a red flag. Forward it to abuse@fedex.com, or call FedEx's fraud line on 1.800.584.2681.
FedEx is one of the most impersonated names in delivery fraud because almost everyone has a parcel on the way at some point. The company publishes a fraud page that is blunter than most, and its wording gives you a simple test you can apply to any FedEx text or email.
The FedEx rule that settles most cases
FedEx states: "We never request payment or personal information in exchange for releasing a package." It adds that it does not request, through unsolicited mail, email or text, personal information about your account credentials or identity. If a message asks you to pay a fee, confirm your address details on a link or enter card numbers to get a parcel released, it is not following FedEx's own stated practice.
Scams FedEx names on its own page
FedEx's fraud page goes beyond the standard "missed delivery" text and describes several distinct schemes:
- ATM card delivery scam. Fraudsters claim to be holding an ATM card for you and ask for a "safe keeping" or security fee.
- Certified check or bank draft scam. Someone posing as a benefactor says a large sum is waiting to be claimed and asks for fees first.
- Delivery failure notifications that ask you to open an attachment, which can carry malware.
- Counterfeit label fraud, where unauthorised FedEx shipping labels are used.
- The page also lists phishing, smishing, vishing, spearphishing, ransomware and credit card fraud among the tactics used against its customers.
Spotting the fake text or email
- The message asks for money or personal details before a parcel is released.
- It includes an attachment for a "delivery notice".
- The sender is a free email address or an unfamiliar number.
- It arrives when you have no order in transit.
How to report a fake FedEx message
FedEx asks you to forward suspicious messages to abuse@fedex.com. Its fraud department can be reached on 1.800.584.2681, and its general line is 1.800.GoFedEx (1.800.463.3339). Forward the message rather than replying, and do not open any attachment.
If you already responded
Stop contact with the sender. If you paid or shared card details, ring your card issuer straight away to block the card and dispute the charge. If you opened an attachment, run a security scan on the device and change passwords for your key accounts from a clean device. If you used a bank transfer, tell your bank at once because speed matters.
The same script is run under other courier names. Compare it with the DHL delivery text scam and the UPS delivery text scam, where the carriers publish different reporting channels.
Why "release fee" is the giveaway
Every FedEx scheme on its own fraud page ends with money or information moving from you to a stranger. That is the pattern to remember. A genuine courier moves parcels; it does not need you to pay a stranger, buy gift cards, or confirm your identity documents for a package to be released. FedEx's own sentence, "We never request payment or personal information in exchange for releasing a package", is the quickest test.
Where the ATM card and certified check stories come from
The ATM card and certified check schemes FedEx describes are advance-fee frauds dressed in a courier's name. The ATM card story promises a card loaded with money waiting to be delivered once you pay a security fee. The certified check story tells you a benefactor has a large sum waiting. In both cases the courier name makes it feel official, and the "fee" is the whole point of the scam.
What to do in the first hour, day and week
- First hour: stop responding, forward the message to abuse@fedex.com, and call your card issuer if you paid or shared card details.
- First day: change passwords on any account you typed into a fake page, and turn on two-factor authentication where it is offered.
- First week: watch statements for small test charges, and be wary of follow-up calls that mention the fake FedEx parcel.
Phishing pages often collect an email address and phone number that later get sold or reused. A free digital footprint check shows what is already exposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FedEx charge a fee to release a package by text?
No. FedEx states it never requests payment or personal information in exchange for releasing a package. A text or email asking for either is not consistent with its stated practice.
How do I report a fake FedEx email or text?
Forward the message to abuse@fedex.com. FedEx's fraud department can also be reached on 1.800.584.2681.
What is the FedEx ATM card scam?
Fraudsters claim to hold an ATM card for you and ask for a "safe keeping security fee" before releasing it. FedEx lists it among the scams it warns about.
Why would a FedEx email include an attachment?
FedEx lists false delivery failure notices that ask you to open an attachment among the scams it warns about. Do not open the attachment; forward the email to abuse@fedex.com instead.
What should I do if I gave my card details?
Call your card issuer immediately to block the card and dispute the charge, change any related passwords, and report the message to FedEx.
Sources
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