Beware of Fake IPS Delivery Scam Texts Targeting Shoppers
Written by: Stelian
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The International Parcel Service (IPS) delivery scam is a sophisticated form of text message phishing targeting consumers waiting for package deliveries. Scammers are sending extremely realistic-looking fraudulent IPS texts claiming issues with shipments. These messages fool recipients into clicking links and providing sensitive personal and financial information.
This article provides an in-depth look at how the intricate IPS delivery scam works and key strategies to avoid falling victim. With online shopping and IPS deliveries surging globally, awareness is crucial to protect against these fraudulent texts. Read on to learn more about spotting and responding to this prevalent package delivery phishing campaign.
Overview of the IPS Delivery Scam
This phishing scam starts with a text message sent to the victim’s phone pretending there is an issue with an IPS package delivery. The message claims the recipient needs to take action to correct an address error, pay a small fee, or resolve some other made up delivery problem.
The texts include fake IPS tracking numbers and links to mimic legitimate notifications from the delivery company. If recipients click the link, they are taken to phony IPS websites asking for personal information and payment card details.
In some cases, the texts reference the target’s name, town, or partial cell phone number to appear even more convincing. Once scammers gain access to account and identity information through these sites, they can drain banking accounts, make fraudulent purchases, or steal the victim’s identity.
Some example messages from the IPS scam texts include:
“Your order P0135920134-ZA was to be delivered on 02/12/2022 to your drop-off-point. Collect it here: [malicious link]”
“Shipment attempt 2/2 – (Victim’s Cell Number), your Item-IPS208497103ZA, will be returned 17-11-2022, if not confirmed: [malicious link]”
“#DELIVERY ALERT: Consignment #CS78943819283ZA is ready for pick-up in: (Victim’s Town). (Victim’s Name), check where to pick it up here: [malicious link]”
The main goal of these texts is to trick recipients into clicking malicious links and entering sensitive information, not actually collecting a small fee. Unfortunately this scam has not slowed down, and new message variants continue to be reported as criminals refine their techniques.
How the IPS Text Scam Works
The IPS delivery scam operates in a few common stages:
1. Victims receive a text that appears to be from IPS about a delivery.
Criminals disguise the sender name and number to make it look like the message is from IPS. The text will claim there is an issue that requires the recipient’s attention, such as:
Incorrect shipping address provided
Customs fees or import taxes that must be paid
Failure to schedule a delivery
A package returning to sender soon
2. The message includes a link for the victim to “resolve” the delivery problem.
The link in the text leads to a fake IPS website that looks real at first glance. This site asks the victim to enter personal details to address the made up delivery issue.
3. Scammers gather sensitive information like names, addresses, and financial details through the sites.
To “fix” the delivery problem, the phony IPS websites ask users to provide all kinds of personal and payment information. With these details, criminals can commit identity fraud or drain bank accounts.
4. The scammers disappear with the stolen details and victims eventually realize it’s a scam.
Once scammers have the information they want, they abandon the scheme and victims realize they’ve been tricked. No package ever existed, and the recipient’s details have been compromised.
Some other key indicators the IPS text is a scam include:
Poor grammar, spelling errors, and other typos.
Requests for unusual forms of payment like prepaid cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Threatening language about fines or jail time if action is not taken.
Lack of the recipient’s full name and address details.
Links to misspelled or clearly suspicious domains rather than ips.com.
Protecting Yourself from the IPS Text Scam
The IPS delivery scam can be very convincing, making awareness key to avoiding falling victim. Here are comprehensive tips to protect yourself:
Never Act Without Verifying the Sender
Take time to double check the sender name and number on any IPS-related text by cross-referencing official contact information. Scammers spoof IDs, so verification is essential.
Watch for Odd Wording, Typos, and Grammatical Errors
Scam texts often contain unusual phrases, threatening urgency, and errors indicating they are not from legitimate businesses. Authentic notifications use clear professional language.
Avoid Clicking Links in Messages
Never click on links in unsolicited texts, even if you are expecting a delivery. Doing so can expose your data. Type IPS website addresses directly into your browser.
Use Official IPS Tracking Tools
Check delivery status through your shipper’s website or the IPS app rather than third-party links, which direct to scammer sites.
Look for Missing or Inconsistent Personal Details
Scam texts rarely contain your full name and address. Details may also not match your actual IPS shipments. This signals the messages are not informed by real account info.
Analyze the Sender’s Phone Number
Scrutinize the number to ensure it matches official IPS contacts. Scammers use spoofing tools to mask IDs.
Watch for Requests for Sensitive Information
IPS will not request personal details like social security numbers and bank account information via text messages. Providing this data can enable identity theft.
Contact IPS if Unsure
If a text appears questionable, call IPS customer service directly at 1-800-IPS-INFO to validate it. Use official channels, not reply options in doubtful texts.
Understand Tactics Scammers Use
Knowledge of phishing techniques like spoofed IDs, fabricated tracking numbers, and fake urgency makes identifying scam warning signs easier.
Avoid Panic-Driven Actions
Scammers want victims to act hastily out of concern. Take time to calmly analyze any texts and verify their legitimacy before providing information.
With vigilance, checking details, and awareness of common ploys, consumers can avoid being deceived by even sophisticated IPS phishing scams. Report any suspicious texts to help curb these criminal campaigns.
What to Do if You Get a Fake IPS Delivery Text
If you receive what you believe is a fraudulent IPS notification text message, take these steps:
Do not click any links or provide information. The texts are phishing scams, so avoid clicking links or calling phone numbers they provide.
Report the text as spam. On an iPhone, forward the text to 7726 to report it to carriers. Android users can copy the message and report it in the Messages app settings.
Alert IPS. Forward scam texts to IPS so they can take action, and notify them if you mistakenly provided any account information.
File an FTC complaint. Submit a scam report to the FTC to help authorities track and respond to phishing campaigns.
Check bank and credit card statements. Look for any fraudulent activity if you clicked a link or provided payment details and report unauthorized transactions right away.
Change online account passwords. Reset any compromised passwords to protect your sensitive data and enable dual-factor authentication when possible.
Run an antivirus scan. If you suspect your device is infected with malware, you should run a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
Frequently Asked Questions About the IPS Delivery Scam
What is the IPS delivery scam?
The IPS delivery scam is a phishing campaign where scammers send fake text messages pretending to be IPS. The texts claim there are issues with package deliveries and provide links to resolve these problems. The goal is to steal personal and financial information from recipients.
How does the IPS text scam work?
The scam texts include fabricated IPS tracking numbers and ask recipients to click a link to correct an address, pay a fee, or fix some other made up issue. The embedded links direct victims to extremely realistic but fake IPS websites that harvest entered data.
What are some examples of the phishing texts?
Example messages include:
“Your IPS delivery 1Z2345Y67890123X requires a $2.99 customs fee. Visit ips-customsinfo.com to submit payment and avoid return to sender.”
“Dear John S. Your IPS delivery 1Z2345Y67890123X was returned to our facility due to an invalid address. Please visit ips-delivery-correction.com to update your information and avoid additional fees.”
What do the scammers do with people’s information?
Scammers use the personal and financial details collected through the phishing texts for identity theft and account takeover fraud. Victims’ information may also be sold on the dark web.
How can I avoid falling for the IPS text scam?
Avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts, double check sender details, watch for odd wording or threats, verify delivery status via official IPS channels, and contact IPS if unsure about a text.
What should I do if I get a fraudulent IPS delivery text?
Do not click any links, report the text as spam, contact IPS to inform them, check financial accounts for fraud, change any compromised passwords, and file an FTC complaint.
How can I report fraudulent IPS texts?
Report scam texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM) on iPhones or through the Messages settings on Androids. You should also contact IPS to inform them about fake texts.
How widespread is the IPS phishing text scam?
The scam is very prevalent worldwide, with millions of fraudulent IPS delivery texts sent daily. New versions are constantly created as scammers refine approaches.
Who is responsible for the IPS text scam campaign?
Individual scammers and organized criminal groups, often operating internationally, are behind the phishing texts. The scammers leverage spoofing tools and SMS blasting platforms to distribute texts en masse.
Is Your Device Infected? Run a Free Malware Scan
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Adware — the cause of those annoying pop-ups
Browser hijackers — unwanted redirects and changed homepages
Trojans and spyware — hidden programs stealing your data
Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) — software you never asked for
👉 Select your device below — Windows, Mac, or Android — then follow the simple steps to download Malwarebytes, scan your system, and remove any threats it finds. The whole process takes about 5 minutes.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)
Install Malwarebytes
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Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
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Enable “Scan for Rootkits”
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Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
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Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.
When the scan finishes, click Quarantine to remove everything Malwarebytes found. That’s it — your Windows PC is now clean of trojans, adware, and other malware, and should be back to running smoothly.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
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Download Malwarebytes for Mac
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Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
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Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
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Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
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Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, your Mac is clean.
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Download Malwarebytes for Android.
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Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
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Click on “Remove Selected”.
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Restart your phone.
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If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Now that your device is clean, keep it that way. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.
We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.
The sophisticated IPS delivery scam leveraging fake text messages represents a serious threat to consumers awaiting package deliveries. These fraudulent texts take advantage of the explosive growth in online shopping and IPS shipments to trick millions into compromising valuable personal and financial data.
By spoofing identities, fabricating tracking numbers, and utilizing other deceptive tactics, criminals behind these scams create an alarming sense of urgency and legitimacy. Even savvy internet users can be duped into clicking phishing links and providing sensitive information.
With new variants constantly appearing, awareness is essential to avoid falling victim to this prevalent scam. Scrutinizing sender details, understanding scammer techniques, and validating texts directly with IPS before acting can protect consumers from relinquishing important personal information.
Report any suspected fraudulent texts to help curb this scam campaign, and warn others about the deceptive messages in order to prevent identity and financial theft. Consumers have significant power to stop this scam in its tracks by proactively identifying signs of phishing attempts and refusing to provide the data these criminals seek. Don’t become another statistic of the IPS text scam’s victims – get informed and take steps to safeguard your identity.
10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams
Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.
Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.
Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).
If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.
Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.
If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.
Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.
If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.
Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.
If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.
Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.
If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.
Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.
If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.
Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.
If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).
Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.
If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.
Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.
If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.
Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.
These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.
About Stelian
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
