Brits warned of delivery scam that cons people out of thousands | UK | News

Brits have been targeted by scammers posing as Royal Mail staff who send texts with a link requesting for a delivery fee payment. Consumer group Which? found earlier this year that three in five people have been targetted by the scam text which usually comes from an unknown sender. 

The link that features in the text directs those targeted to a website that looks fairly similar to a Royal Mail one, even including links to Royal Mail’s social media pages. Brits are being urged to never click on the link, with Which? showcasing exactly what happens if you do.

The group used false details and a pre-paid card set up with HyperJar, a pre-paid card and money App. Nothing happened immediately. However, two weeks later notifcations for multiple payments totalling over £4,000 appeared.

The scammer made another attempt to take more payments over the next few days. The investigation was reported to Action Fraud and Royal Mail.

A Royal Mail spokeperson said: “We remind our customers that Royal Mail will only send email and SMS notifications in cases where the sender has requested this when using our trackable products that offer this service. In cases where customers need to pay surcharge for an underpaid item, we would let them know by leaving a grey Fee to Pay card.

“We would not request payment by email or text. The only time we would ask customers to make a payment by email or by text is in some instances where a customs fee is due. In such cases, we would also leave a grey card telling customers that there’s a Fee to Pay before we can release the item.”

The postal service said they are working with various organisations including UK law enforcement agencies and Trading Standards to share information and support “robust proactive action” against the scams.

They added: “We report any offending sites and suspicious numbers to the appropriate authorities as soon as we are made aware of them.”

Additionally, you can find examples of the scams, and get advice on how to take appropriate action on www.royalmail.com/scamprotection.

If you recieve a text that you think may be a scam, ignore any links, do not share information, and report it by forwarding the message to 7726. This is a free reporting service that is provided by phone operators, the information will then be shared with the police and intelligence agencies.

It is also advised to contact the company that claims to have sent the text message, by using offical contact details that is made available on their website. Avoid replying to the text, calling the number or clicking the links as this lets the scammer know your number is being used.