Delivery and Toll Text Scams in Canada: Canada Post, Purolator and Highway 407 Fakes
Smishing (scam text) messages impersonating Canada Post, Purolator, UPS and FedEx are a constant in Canada, claiming a parcel is on hold for 'customs duty' or an 'incomplete address'. A newer wave pretends to be toll operators such as Highway 407 ETR, saying you owe a small unpaid toll plus a late fee. Both lead to fake payment pages designed to capture your credit card and personal details. The amounts are small — usually $1 to $5 — so people pay without thinking, but the stolen card data is the real prize.
Real Scam Message Examples
These are real examples of messages used in this type of scam. If you receive something similar, do not click any links.
Example 1
“Canada Post: Your package is on hold due to unpaid customs duty ($2.99 CAD). Pay within 24h to avoid return: canadapost-delivery-ca.com”
Example 2
“407 ETR: You have an outstanding toll balance of $4.35. A late fee of $35.00 will be applied if not paid today: 407etr-billing.info”
Example 3
“Purolator: We attempted delivery but your address is incomplete. Update and reschedule here: purolator-reschedule.net”
Warning Signs of a Delivery or Toll Scam Text
- ⚠A text says your parcel is held and asks for a small fee — 'customs', 'redelivery' or 'address correction'
- ⚠A text claims you owe an unpaid toll with a late fee and links to a payment page
- ⚠The link isn't canadapost-postescanada.ca, purolator.com or the toll operator's official site
- ⚠It threatens the parcel will be returned or your licence plate reported within 24 hours
- ⚠The sender is an unknown or foreign number, or an email address, not a short code
How Does This Scam Work?
- 1Scammers send bulk texts or emails that mimic Canada Post, a courier, or a toll road operator
- 2The message uses a small, believable charge and a short deadline
- 3The link opens a lookalike page asking for your name, address, date of birth and full credit card details
- 4Your card is charged repeatedly or sold, and your details are reused for further phishing
- 5Follow-up calls pretending to be your bank's fraud team may use the stolen details to gain your trust
Legitimate vs Scam: How to Tell the Difference
| Aspect | ✓ Legitimate | ✗ Scam |
|---|---|---|
| Website | canadapost-postescanada.ca, purolator.com, 407etr.com | Lookalike domains with 'delivery', 'billing' or 'reschedule' added |
| Customs fees | Duties are shown in your official Canada Post tracking, or collected at the door or post office | Tiny fee requested through a random text link |
| Tolls | Toll bills come by mail or through your account on the operator's official website | Text threatening late fees with a payment link |
| Tracking | Tracking numbers match an order you placed | No tracking number, or one that doesn't match any order |
What Should You Do?
- ✓Don't click the link. Check tracking or toll balances by typing the official website yourself
- ✓Forward the scam text to 7726 (SPAM) to report it to your carrier, then delete it
- ✓Paste the suspicious message into ScamCheck for an instant verdict
- ✓If you entered card details, call your bank or card issuer immediately and ask for the card to be cancelled
- ✓Report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or 1-888-495-8501
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Check it now — it's free →Frequently Asked Questions
Does Canada Post text you about customs fees?
Genuine customs duties appear in your official Canada Post tracking and are typically paid on delivery or at the post office. Treat any unexpected text with a payment link as a scam and check your tracking directly at canadapost-postescanada.ca.
Is the toll road text I got real?
Toll-road texts demanding a small unpaid balance plus a large 'late fee' are a widespread scam in Canada and the US. Check your account directly on the operator's official website (for example 407etr.com) rather than using the link.
How do I report a scam text in Canada?
Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM), which is supported by major Canadian carriers, then report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or at 1-888-495-8501.
I paid $2.99 on a fake Canada Post site — what now?
Call your card issuer right away and cancel the card — the small charge isn't the danger, the card details are. Watch your statements, be wary of follow-up 'bank' calls, and report to the CAFC.
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