Brits warned about new ‘phantom parcel’ scam sweeping the nation

The ‘phantom parcel’ scams are sweeping the nation and it’s crucial to be aware of them.

We’re all acquainted with that restless excitement while waiting for a delivery to turn up. Whether it’s that special occasion garment or the household necessity you’ve been yearning for – the countdown begins the moment you press ‘order’.

So when a text message pops up from ‘Royal Mail’ claiming your parcel needs a £2 customs fee, you probably won’t think twice. A quick tap, enter your card details, and job done.

Yet that apparently innocent message has just given scammers everything they need to empty your bank account and steal your identity. These frauds, dubbed ‘phantom parcel’ scams, are fooling Britons every day, reports the Express.

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“These dangerous scams prey on our expectation of deliveries,” warned an OddsMonkey spokesperson.

“When you’re waiting for parcels, especially during busy shopping periods, your guard is naturally down.”

The deception works like this: criminals send texts, emails, or WhatsApp messages pretending to be from major delivery companies like Royal Mail, DPD, Evri, or DHL.

They claim that a small fee, usually between £1 and £3, is required for redelivery or customs clearance.

Victims are then directed to fake websites that look remarkably similar to genuine courier sites, complete with official logos and company branding. The timing makes these scams exceptionally dangerous.

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With deliveries happening year-round, millions of people are genuinely expecting parcels at any given time. Furthermore, the modest amounts being demanded often appear trivial enough that people pay without hesitation.

The prospect of delayed or returned packages generates a feeling of urgency that overrides our normal vigilance.

“It’s not just about the small fee they’re asking for,” the expert explains.

“Once they have your card details and personal information, they can make much larger purchases or even steal your identity for more serious fraud.”

Here’s how to protect yourself from this scam:

• Never click on links in unexpected parcel messages, even if you are expecting deliveries. Instead, go directly to the courier’s official website and check your tracking there.
• Scrutinise the sender carefully – scam messages often come from suspicious email addresses like ‘royalmailsupport@delivery-info. co’ rather than official domains.
• If unsure, call the courier using the phone number from their official website, not any number given in the message.
• Remember that genuine courier companies will never demand payment through text or email links for standard deliveries or customs charges on domestic parcels. If you receive a dubious message, forward scam texts to 7726 and phishing emails to report@phishing. gov. uk.
• If you’ve already provided your details, contact your bank straight away to report potential fraud.

“The best defence is awareness,” added the OddsMonkey spokesperson.

“If you’re expecting a parcel and get a message asking for payment, take a moment to verify it directly with the courier. Those few extra minutes could save you hundreds of pounds and a major headache.”