Delivery Scams
Fake texts from An Post, Amazon or couriers asking for fees or redelivery info.
Overview
Delivery scams are among the most common in Ireland, exploiting the massive growth in online shopping. Scammers send texts or emails pretending to be from An Post, DPD, FedEx, or retailers like Amazon, claiming there's a problem with your delivery. The goal is to steal your card details through fake payment pages or to install malware on your device.
Common Approaches
How scammers typically operate in this category:
- •SMS claiming your parcel requires a small fee (€1-3) before delivery
- •Emails stating your package is held at customs and needs a release payment
- •Texts saying delivery failed and you need to reschedule via a link
- •Messages claiming your address needs to be confirmed
- •Fake tracking notifications with malicious links
Scams in this Category (2)
How to Protect Yourself
- Track parcels only through official apps or by going directly to the courier's website
- An Post, DPD, and other couriers never request fees via SMS links
- Legitimate customs charges are collected on delivery or through official channels
- Check the sender's phone number or email address for red flags
- When in doubt, contact the retailer directly through their official website
- Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) to report them
Frequently Asked Questions
Does An Post ever send texts about delivery fees?
An Post may send legitimate tracking updates via SMS, but they never ask for payment through text message links. Any fees are collected on delivery or through official channels like your An Post account.
I clicked a link and entered my card details. What should I do?
Contact your bank immediately to freeze your card and dispute any transactions. Change any passwords if you entered login credentials. Report the incident to An Garda Síochána and forward the text to 7726.
How can I tell if a delivery text is fake?
Check the sender number (scam texts often come from random numbers or foreign codes), look for spelling mistakes, be suspicious of urgency, and never click links. Instead, check your order status directly with the retailer.