Money just sent to a scammer? Call your bank first, then the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on 1-888-495-8501. What to do next

Quick answer and steps

Canada Post text about a missed delivery or fee? Check before you pay

A text that says Canada Post could not deliver your parcel and asks you to pay a small redelivery or customs fee, or to confirm your address through a link, is almost always a scam. The small fee is a way to get your card number. Do not tap the link. Track the parcel yourself at canadapost.ca using the tracking number from the store you bought from, and forward the text to 7726.

Last reviewed . Written by Jeyki Security, free to use and print.

Delivery texts work because almost everyone is waiting for a parcel. The message says your package is held because of an incomplete address or an unpaid fee, and gives a link to “reschedule”. The page looks like Canada Post and asks for a small payment. What it really collects is your card.

How to tell it is fake

  • It asks you to pay a redelivery, customs or address fee through a link.
  • It asks for personal details such as your date of birth or card number.
  • The link is not canadapost.ca or canadapost-postescanada.ca. Do not tap it to check.
  • It is urgent. “Your parcel will be returned in 24 hours.”
  • You were not expecting anything, or you did not sign up for Canada Post texts.

How to check a real parcel

  1. Find the tracking number in the order confirmation email from the store, not in the text.
  2. Type canadapost.ca into your browser and enter the tracking number.
  3. Look for a delivery notice card at your door or mailbox.

What to do with the text

  1. Do not tap the link or reply.
  2. Forward it to 7726 (SPAM).
  3. Delete it and block the sender.

If you entered your card

  1. Call your card company on the number on the back of the card. Ask for a new card.
  2. Watch your statement for charges you do not recognise.
  3. Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on 1-888-495-8501.

You can cut down on these texts with the settings in how to stop spam calls and texts.

Common questions

Does Canada Post text you about parcels?

Canada Post can send delivery notifications if you signed up for them, but those do not ask you to pay a fee or enter card details through a link. If a text asks for payment or personal details, treat it as a scam and track the parcel yourself at canadapost.ca.

Why is the fee so small?

The small amount, often a dollar or two, makes you less careful. The goal is your full card number, expiry date and security code, which are then used for much larger charges.

What does Canada Post do when it really cannot deliver?

It usually leaves a delivery notice card at your address saying where to pick up the parcel. You can also track it at canadapost.ca with the tracking number from the sender.

I paid the fee. What should I do?

Call your card company on the number on the back of your card, say you entered it on a scam site and ask for a new card. Then forward the text to 7726 and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

It said it was from Purolator, UPS, FedEx or Amazon. Same thing?

Yes. The same scam uses every courier name. Go to the courier's website yourself and enter the tracking number from your order confirmation.

Sources

  1. Recognizing spam, fraudulent emails and text messages, Canada Post
  2. Reporting spam text messages to 7726, Get Cyber Safe (Government of Canada)
  3. Report cybercrime and fraud, National Cybercrime and Fraud Reporting System

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