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
Slow performance, constant pop-ups, or strange behavior? These are classic signs of a malware infection. A quick way to check is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Free, one of the most trusted malware removal tools available. If you only visited a scam page and didn’t download or install anything, this scan is optional.
The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:
- 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 scan usually takes 5 to 20 minutes.
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 your PC and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
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.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for Windows 11 and 10. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium
Malwarebytes Free for WindowsScans and removes malware at no cost-
Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
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Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
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Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
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When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
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On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
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Optional: Check for rootkits with a Custom Scan
You don’t need to change any settings for a normal scan. The standard Threat Scan in the next step is enough for most problems, so you can go straight to it.
If you also want to check for rootkits, use a Custom Scan. In current versions of Malwarebytes, rootkit scanning is only available there:
- On the Scanner tile, click the three-dot menu and select Advanced Scan.
- Choose Custom Scan. In its options, check Scan for rootkits.
- Select your system drive (usually C:\) as the location to scan, then start the scan. It takes longer than a Threat Scan.
- When it finishes, review and quarantine the results as described in the steps below.
Rootkit scanning isn’t available on Windows devices with ARM processors.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on your computer. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
-
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, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.
When the scan is done, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they continue, see the options below.
If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Run a computer scan with ESET Online Scanner
- Ask for help in our Windows Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Mac
Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan your Mac and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
-
Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for macOS. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes PremiumMalwarebytes Free for MacScans and removes malware at no cost -
Open the Malwarebytes setup file
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
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Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
Malwarebytes needs Full Disk Access to check your whole Mac. When it asks, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access, turn on Malwarebytes (it may be listed as Malwarebytes Protection), and confirm with your password or Touch ID. Then return to Malwarebytes. On macOS Monterey and earlier, this setting is in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.
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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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Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
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.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
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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, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they come back, save the scan report and ask for help in our forum.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android scans your phone or tablet for malware, adware, and potentially unwanted apps. The free version scans only when you start a scan. Real-time protection, which checks apps automatically, is part of the paid Premium version.
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Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
Get Malwarebytes for AndroidOpens Google Play in a new tab.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium for AndroidMalwarebytes for AndroidScans your phone and removes malware at no cost -
Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes opens, it walks you through a short setup. Tap Get started and follow the prompts. If you see an offer for a trial or a paid plan, read it before you accept. You can skip it and keep using the free scanner.
Malwarebytes will ask for permission to access the files on your phone so it can scan them. Tap Allow, or turn on the permission in the Android screen that opens, then return to Malwarebytes.
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Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
On the main screen, tap Scan now. In some versions, you open the menu, tap Scanner, and then tap Run a scan.
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Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
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Remove the detected apps.
When the scan has been completed, you will see a list of the threats that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. Next to each detected item, tap the menu icon (three dots), then choose to uninstall the app or delete the file. Android then asks you to confirm. Tap OK or Uninstall to remove the app.
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Restart your phone.
When the detected apps are removed, restart your phone if Malwarebytes asks you to. Then check whether the problems you noticed have stopped.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Ask for help in our Mobile Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
- Only as a last resort, reset your phone to factory settings. Read the warning below first.
- Back up your photos, videos, files, and messages, for example to your Google account or a computer.
- Make sure you know your Google account email and password. The phone asks for them after the reset. If you changed the password recently, Google recommends waiting 24 hours before you reset.
- On a Samsung phone, also make sure you know your Samsung account password.
- If you use an authenticator app for two-step verification, move your accounts to another device or save your backup codes first.
Stay Protected: Block Ads and Malicious Sites
No scan can prove a device is completely clean, so it helps to block threats before they reach you. 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.
👉 Download AdGuard and browse safely
The Bottom Line
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.
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