Fake delivery address verification requests card data
A package notice says the address is incomplete and then asks for a credit card to cover a made-up delivery tax.
First reported May 13, 2026 · Updated May 27, 2026

⚡ The 30-second version
How it arrives: A text, email, or website that looks like a company you know.
If you see any of these…
- A link that almost matches the real address — but not quite
- A small fee, 'verification,' or login request out of nowhere
- Urgency: act now, package on hold, account suspended
…do this now
- Don't tap the link. Go to the company's real site or app yourself.
- If you entered a password or card number, change it and call your bank now.
- Delete the message and report it below — it helps warn the next person.
How this scam works
The message said a package had arrived at a warehouse but could not be delivered because the address was incomplete. The recipient was told to verify the address through a link. After the address screen, the page asked for a card to cover a small delivery tax or redelivery fee. The first step feels harmless because address verification is normal. The card screen is the turn. A legitimate carrier may ask you to manage a delivery, but it will not demand payment through a random text link tied to a small "tax" or "release" fee. The clean test is source control. Do not use the link in the message. Open the carrier or retailer site separately and enter the tracking number there. Red flags include misspelled carrier names, unusual subdomains, generic greetings, and a fee that appears only after you enter personal information.
If this happened to you
First, take a breath. Being targeted is not your fault — these scammers do this all day, every day, and they are very good at it. Here's what to do next:
- Stop contact and don't send any more money or information.
- If money or an account is involved, call your bank or card company right away.
- Report it — it helps protect others: tell us here and file with the FTC ↗.
- Tell someone you trust. Talking about it openly takes away the scammer's biggest weapon: shame.
If you're feeling embarrassed or shaken, that's a completely normal reaction — and it passes. You're not alone, and help is free:
- AARP Fraud Watch Helpline: 877-908-3360 — free to talk it through, even if you're not a member.
- Recover your identity: IdentityTheft.gov ↗ — a free, step-by-step plan from the FTC.
Know someone who might fall for this?
Take two seconds to send it to them — forwarding a scam to the people you love is the easiest way to stop one before it starts.
We compile entries from the public source linked in the case facts. We don't publish private screenshots or message threads. If you report a new instance, please keep the original message, sender address, phone number, links, and any payment request.
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