The holiday season means gift-giving, online shopping, and, of course, lots of package deliveries. With so many boxes arriving on doorsteps in December, it’s no surprise that scammers are using this time of year to sneak their way into inboxes and text messages. One of the most common holiday scams? Fake delivery notifications are designed to trick you into clicking a malicious link or handing over personal information.

If you’ve ever received a text that says “Your package is on hold” or “We missed you, reschedule delivery now,” it might not be from who you think it is. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones this season.

How Package Delivery Scams Work

These scams typically start with a text message or email that appears to be from a legitimate delivery company, such as UPS, FedEx, USPS, or even Amazon. The message might say there’s a problem with your delivery, ask you to confirm shipping details, or provide a link to “track” a package.

The goal is simple: get you to click. Once you do, you could be redirected to a fake website that looks nearly identical to the real thing, where you might be asked to enter personal info, credit card numbers, or even pay a small “redelivery fee.” In other cases, clicking the link can install malware on your phone or computer.

Because these messages often show up during the busiest shipping time of the year, they catch people off guard. After all, if you’re expecting several deliveries, it’s easy to assume the message is legit.

Red Flags to Watch For

Scammers are getting more sophisticated, but there are still some telltale signs that a delivery message is a fake. Here’s what to look out for:

• Unknown or suspicious sender: The phone number or email address doesn’t match the official domain of the delivery company.
• Spelling or grammar errors: These are often a giveaway that the message isn’t from a trusted source.
• Urgency or pressure: Phrases like “Final notice!” or “Immediate action required” are meant to rush your judgment.
• Strange or shortened links: Hover over any links in emails (or long-press on mobile) to see where they really go. If it looks off, don’t click.
• Requests for payment or personal info: Delivery companies will never ask for sensitive information via text or email links.

What to Do If You Get One

If you get a message that seems suspicious, the best thing you can do is pause before taking action. Here’s how to handle it safely:

• Don’t click any links or open attachments even if the message looks convincing.
• Go directly to the source. If you’re expecting a package, visit the official website of the delivery company and enter your tracking number manually—or check your order confirmation emails from the retailer.
• Report the message. Most major carriers have ways to report scams. You can also forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) to report them to your carrier.
• Monitor your accounts. If you did click on a link or enter any information, keep a close eye on your bank account or credit card for unusual activity.

How Consumers National Bank Can Help

At Consumers National Bank, we know how important it is to feel secure, especially during the holidays. That’s why we offer tools to help you stay protected:

• Real-time account alerts to monitor suspicious transactions.
• Card protection features, including the ability to freeze your debit card if you suspect fraud.
• Friendly, local support to help walk you through what to do if you believe your information has been compromised.

If you think you've been targeted by a scam or notice unusual activity on your account, don’t wait. Contact us or visit your local Consumers National Bank branch right away. We’re here to help.

Stay One Step Ahead This Holiday Season

Scammers love to take advantage of the holiday rush, but with a little caution and a lot of awareness, you can avoid becoming a victim. Be skeptical of unsolicited messages, double-check tracking information through official sources, and never share sensitive information through a link you didn’t expect.

And if you ever need guidance or support, Consumers National Bank is only a phone call away. Your safety is our priority, not just during the holidays, but all year long.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Consumers National Bank!