Is this delivery text from FedEx a scam?
Fake parcel-delivery notices are one of the most common scams in Australia, and FedEx is among the most impersonated couriers. A delivery notice, text or email that looks like it's from FedEx can be genuine — but it can just as easily be a scam built to look identical. The good news: a few quick checks almost always tell a real FedEx message from a fake.
Genuine FedEx links only ever go to fedex.com. Below is exactly what a real FedEx message looks like, the scams currently circulating in its name, the red flags that give a fake away, and a real example to compare against. Got a message in front of you? Check it now for an instant verdict.
What a real FedEx message looks like
Genuine messages from FedEx only ever link to fedex.com.
- FedEx sends delivery updates via the FedEx app or the tracking page on fedex.com; it does not use SMS sender IDs for Australian customers
- Genuine FedEx notifications reference a specific 12- or 15-digit tracking number and never ask you to click a link to pay fees
- FedEx only directs customers to the official fedex.com site or the FedEx app to view or manage shipments
- Any message claiming to be from FedEx that contains a shortened link or an urgent payment request is not from the real company
- FedEx will never send an SMS demanding immediate customs payment or threatening to return the parcel
Crucially, FedEx will never ask you to pay a small 'redelivery', 'customs' or 'handling' fee through a link in a text message.
Common FedEx scams
- Scammers send SMS claiming a FedEx parcel is held in customs and requires an online payment to release it
- Messages use lookalike domains such as fedex-redelivery.net or fedex-secure-login.com to host fake payment pages
- The SMS often includes a fake tracking number and a link that leads to a credential-harvesting or malware site
- Scammers impersonate missed-delivery notices and pressure recipients to act within a short time frame
Red flags to watch for
- The message contains a link that asks for payment or personal details to release a parcel
- The sender claims to be FedEx but uses an ordinary mobile number or an unrecognised sender ID
- The text threatens that the package will be returned or destroyed unless payment is made immediately
- The domain in the link does not end in fedex.com
- The message creates urgency with phrases such as "final notice" or "customs hold"
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating FedEx, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
FedEx: Your parcel is held at customs. Pay the $17.40 release fee now at fedex-redelivery.net/track to avoid return.
What gives it away:
- The message contains a link that asks for payment or personal details to release a parcel
- The sender claims to be FedEx but uses an ordinary mobile number or an unrecognised sender ID
- The text threatens that the package will be returned or destroyed unless payment is made immediately
- The domain in the link does not end in fedex.com
- The message creates urgency with phrases such as "final notice" or "customs hold"
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious FedEx text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from FedEx
- Type fedex.com into your browser yourself and enter the genuine tracking number shown on your shipping label
- Open the official FedEx app installed from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
Where to report a scam impersonating FedEx
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating FedEx? Report it. It helps authorities and carriers shut the campaign down for everyone who gets the next one.
- Scamwatch — Report the scam to the ACCC's national scam service.
- ReportCyber — Report cybercrime and financial loss to the police.
- ACMA — Report scam texts and spam SMS or calls.
- Forward to 7226 (SPAM) — Forward the scam SMS to short code 7226 so your carrier can block the source.
- IDCARE — Free identity and cyber support if your details were taken.
Frequently asked questions
I got a text saying FedEx needs a customs payment — is it a scam?
Yes. FedEx never collects customs fees via SMS links. Go to fedex.com, enter your real tracking number and check the status there.
How do I know if a FedEx message is real?
Real FedEx updates appear inside the FedEx app or on fedex.com; they never ask you to click a link to pay fees or provide login details.
What should I do if I clicked the link in the FedEx SMS?
Close the page, do not enter any details, run a security scan on your device, and report the message at scamwatch.gov.au.
FedEx scam text with a link — where do I report it?
Forward the SMS to 7226 and lodge a report at scamwatch.gov.au or cyber.gov.au so authorities can investigate the campaign.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating FedEx usually fit one of these patterns. Learn how each works:
Related brands
Other courier names scammers impersonate — check a message from one:
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always verify with FedEx through an official channel.