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Three Mobile is warning all UK users to be on high alert and watch out for parcel delivery text message scams.
UK iPhone and Android users are being urged to stay vigilant after a surge in fake texts that claim a parcel delivery has been missed. These messages have been targeting consumers since the pandemic but it appears there’s been an explosion in recent months with Three Mobile now feeling the need to issue an urgent warning to its millions of customers.
Three says that, since the start of the year, it’s managed to block a staggering 20 million fraudulent messages from reaching users but some are slipping through the net.
Parcel delivery messages are hugely popular with scammers as so many of us now shop online and are often waiting for a package to arrive at the front door. Scammers have also got smarter over the years and often make it appear that the text has come from household names such as the Royal Mail, DHL and UPS.
If fooled, users are usually taken to a fake website – via a link in the text – where they are asked to fill in their details and pay a small fee for redelivery. Once those details are handed over, cyber thieves can then steal money from accounts.
It’s a growing issue with the latest research from Citizens Advice, suggesting that almost half (49%) of people targeted by scammers are a victim of malicious parcel delivery scams, with 84% of 18-24 years being targeted, usually through text or mobile messaging.
Even if you are expecting a delivery, be very careful before opening a text from a courier company and only click on the link if you are 100% sure the message is real.
Firms will never ask for money to be paid for redelivery and handing over any credit card or bank details is always a bad idea.
Speaking about the latest threat, Mark Fitzgerald, Director of Finance & Fraud said: “The ‘missed parcel’ scam has been around for a while, but online shoppers are more vulnerable at this time of year with summer deals and holiday shopping. Our fraud prevention team is working hard to block fraudulent messages and advise our customers on the latest watchouts so they can rest stay alert.
“If you’re expecting a delivery and you receive a ‘missed parcel’ message, do not click on any text links you receive. Use official apps or websites to track your parcel. Any texts that look suspicious, forward the message to 7726, the free spam-reporting service.”
How can you spot a delivery scam text?
Delivery scam texts often contain information about failed delivery attempts and include fake tracking links. Key red flags to look out for are:
• Random phone numbers
• Poorly written English
• Texts that rush you to act
• A lack of real information about your parcel
• A web link that contains additional text
If you are expecting a delivery, the warnings are clear. Only use official websites to check the status of the parcel and be very careful when clicking on any links sent to you in a text message.
