Recognize the pattern
How it starts
Texts using USPS, a delivery company or a toll agency’s name.
The promise
A small fee will release your package or prevent a penalty.
What happens next
A false form captures card details and codes; a small delivery fee may precede account misuse.
Signs to watch for
- Offers compensation without checking tracking
- URL does not belong to the carrier
- Requests full card details
Start with what you can do now
If this happened to you
Stop submitting the form
Contact the issuer if card details were entered
Save the text and report the fake URL
What to save
Keep the original records. Use copies to organize the details.
- Original text
- Tracking number
- Phishing URL
- Card transaction history
Before you send money
- Check delivery through the carrier’s own website or app.
- Look up the toll agency independently before paying.
- Do not enter card details through an unexpected text link.
These guides explain common patterns. The facts of your situation and your payment provider’s rules determine which steps are available.