What is happening?
A caller claims a package is delayed, blocked, or needs a small fee, then asks for a code, payment, address confirmation, or link click.
What are they trying to get?
Package urgency
What should I do?
Verify first
What should I not share?
OTP codes, Card details, Full address if unnecessary, Account login details
How do I verify?
Ask for the tracking number only.
Fake Delivery OTP or Package Fee Scam
A caller claims a package is delayed, blocked, or needs a small fee, then asks for a code, payment, address confirmation, or link click.
Best next step
Verify first through the official courier app or website before sharing anything or paying any fee.
Scam anatomy
Goal
A caller claims a package is delayed, blocked, or needs a small fee, then asks for a code, payment, address confirmation, or link click.
Main pressure
Package urgency
Recommended action
Verify first
Risk tier
high
Pressure meter
This playbook relies on the risk tier, pressure tactics, and red flags below to describe caller pressure.
How this scam works
- The caller pretends to be from a delivery company or courier service.
- They claim a package cannot be delivered until you verify a code or pay a small fee.
- The code may allow account access, and the payment link may collect card details.
- They may use real delivery timing or broad package language to sound believable.
What the caller may say
Scam script decoder
They say
“Your package will be returned today.”
What it means
Urgency tactic to make a small fee or code request feel reasonable.
They say
“We need the code to confirm delivery.”
What it means
The code may be unrelated to delivery and may authorize account access.
They say
“Pay this small fee to release the package.”
What it means
A small payment request can be used to capture card details.
Pressure tactics
Red flags
- Caller asks for OTP or verification codes.
- Caller asks for card details over the phone.
- Caller sends a payment link from an unfamiliar domain.
- Caller cannot provide a credible tracking number.
What not to share
Safe response scripts
How to verify safely
- 1Ask for the tracking number only.
- 2Do not click links sent during the call.
- 3Open the courier’s official app or website yourself.
- 4Verify whether any fee or address update is actually required.
- 5Report the call if it requested OTP, payment, or documents.
When FilterCalls detects this pattern
Recommended protection flow
FilterCalls typically recommends
Verify first
Safe response
“Please give me the tracking number. I will check it in the official delivery app or website.”
Do not share
Verify through
- 1Ask for the tracking number only.
- 2Do not click links sent during the call.
Safe callback rule
Never verify the caller using the number that contacted you. Use an official app, official website, statement, saved contact, or a number you already trusted before the call.
Protect someone else
If this call could target a parent, grandparent, coworker, or friend, share the safe response and verification steps. A short pause can prevent a fast mistake.
Decision scenarios
This playbook relates to: possible delivery or service, possible impersonation.
Related scam call playbooks
Bank OTP Scam
A caller pretends to be from your bank and pressures you to share a one-time password, PIN, card detail, or account verification code.
Open playbookTech Support Scam
A caller claims your computer, phone, router, or account is infected or compromised, then tries to get remote access, payment, or credentials.
Open playbook