If it seems like you see the name FedEx everywhere, it’s because that about covers the company’s general territory.
Federal Express is one of the world’s major shipping companies, delivering, on average, a staggering 6.6 million packages every day in 2021 alone. That includes packages sent out in more than 220 countries and territories around the world.
It’s hard to imagine a humble beginning for such a behemoth company, but like most businesses, FedEx got its start at a local scale. Founded by Frederick Smith in 1971, the company originally operated out of Little Rock, Arkansas, with a focus on urgent deliveries.
Today, that empire has ballooned to include FedEx Office, specializing in office supplies and features like printing and copying, as well as FedEx Freight, FedEx Ground, and FedEx Supply Chain, a subsidiary dedicated to helping other companies implement more efficient logistical plans. The company is also a major and frequent contractor for the United States government.
Still, one unfortunate addition to the FedEx family is the number of FedEx scams concocted over the years.
When it comes to vulnerability to scams, FedEx checks a few major boxes:
As such, most FedEx delivery scams will look like messages from FedEx itself.
The most common type of FedEx scam works by mimicking FedEx directly.
FedEx scam emails and FedEx scam texts look like they’re sent from the company. The message can vary, but it will typically mention that something’s wrong with your order or expected delivery.
FedEx scam emails and FedEx scam texts will ask you to “verify” certain sensitive information, like your credit card number, or they may ask you to click a link—which could download malware on your device or steal any information you enter—to fix the “problem.”
In a FedEx check cashing scam, the company is used to make the scammer seem more legitimate. You’re sent a check or money order through the delivery service—supposedly for anything, from “winning sweepstakes,” to cover costs for participating in what’s actually a fraudulent business.
Unlike FedEx, these checks are never legitimate. They bounce and leave you holding the bag.
Scammers take advantage of unfortunate situations almost as much as they take advantage of well-known companies and brands.
With unemployment numbers high, FedEx “work from home” scams have become more frequent. Advertisements tout high wages for minimum hours, supposedly working at home on behalf of FedEx. You’ll then be directed to a “New Hire Form,” where you’ll be asked for any number of personal details a scammer can use.
Sadly, once you submit the form, the job offer disappears.
In the wake of the global pandemic, with unemployment still high and more people ordering packages than ever, scammers have been having a particular field day with FedEx scams.
Still, there are some signs to look out for to ensure you don’t fall prey to these hurtful schemes, including:
FedEx will NEVER:
If you notice these or any other signs that things are slightly “off,” proceed with caution.
The best way to beat a FedEx scam is to not participate at all, but you can also help yourself by taking some extra precautionary steps, such as:
And, in general, it’s good to listen to your gut. If something seems too good to be true, it almost always is.
Unfortunately, FedEx doesn’t offer too much in the way of direct protection against any scams involving the company.
If you receive a FedEx scam email, FedEx scam text, or any other type of fraudulent message involving the company, you can contact the FedEx fraud team at [email protected]
It's important to verify links and contact details to beat imposters.
Otherwise, the best way to protect yourself is to remain as vigilant as possible. Keep the above tips in mind when dealing with FedEx or any other major company, especially via email or text.
If you believe you’ve been the victim of a FedEx scam, you can also:
FedEx is warning customers of a fake text alert going around regarding an issue with a delivery. Learn how to avoid this tricky scam.
Scammers are sending convincing emails, posing as shipping companies and online shopping sites, in order to collect your personal information.
Scammers are using SMS messages to send fake alerts to customers regarding a package delivery. Here's what to know about this scam.
If you're one of the millions of people who buy products from Amazon, you've likely received a text message or two that seem a bit suspicious. We teach you how to identify a fake text and avoid being scammed.
If you received a text from Venmo with a link to verify a payment or deposit, or are asked to complete a survey in exchange for money, it may be a scam.
Sketchy diet pill companies are at it again, using Rebel Wilson's name to falsely endorse their weight loss products.
Verizon may send you text messages from time to time with account updates or data usage alerts, but beware—most of these aren't really from Verizon but scammers.
T-Mobile customers are receiving scam texts designed to steal personal data. Here are the most common versions to watch out for.
A Navy Federal scam text is going around looking to trick individuals into giving up their personal or account information. Here's what you need to know.
AT&T customers who have received spam text messages need to be careful not to click the link included. Find out how to identify scams and how to block spam texts.
Whether you donate to a charity this season or buy your family a new puppy, scammers are eagerly waiting to trick you into giving up your personal information in these holiday scams.
Stay cautious when you receive unexpected text messages or emails from FedEx—they could be fake messages being sent from scammers in an attempt to steal from you.
With online shopping on the rise, these 7 tips and tricks can help you stop porch pirates from stealing your packages this holiday season.
If you're on the hunt for a new pair of Yeezys keep your eyes peeled for fake versions being sold online.
If your new EV qualifies for a government tax rebate, you may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500.
The number of people searching for the term "COVID vaccine 5G" on Google has just hit an all-time high, but there's one way to be sure that there are no microchips.
Social media platforms are possibly the most used tools in committing fraud, responsible for $770 million in losses.
The FBI is warning Americans about a new scam circulating in the country involving fraudulent QR codes in public places.
Fake Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton handbags and clothing were just some of the items found in a large shipment of counterfeit goods coming in from China.
Robinhood's latest data breach of 5 million email addresses means that Robinhood users are about to encounter a wave of phishing attempts.