Royal Mail warning as millions of households could be targeted by new scams

Scammers are targeting households across the UK by posing as Royal Mail.

Those waiting for parcel deliveries are being contacted by text messages and emails.

However, the messages are fake, with criminals attempting to steal personal information and bank details.

The latest scam, labelled a “malicious email” by ActionFraud, has led Royal Mail to issue a warning to customers.

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Scam one

Royal Mail warned people to watch out urgently for a parcel scam doing the rounds across the country, reports BirminghamLive.

The scams are circulating by text and email and tells recipients to make payments so they ensure their packages can get delivered.

The text states: ” Royal Mail : your package has a £2.99 shipping fee, to pay this now visit.”

It then includes a seemingly legitimate Royal Mail website, but it is all a ruse, with phishers and scammers ready to pounce and siphon your details.

“Actions will be taken if you do not pay this fee,” the text adds – but Royal Mail is warning people not to be fooled.

Scam two

ActionFraud revealed this week they had received 1,700 reports about scam emails claiming a parcel had not been delivered.

The message, which appears at first glance almost genuine, warns homeowners if they don’t opt for delivery, they will return the package to the sender.

It then directs the customer to a link, asking them to fill out an information form.

The form then asks users for their card number, security code, sort code, account number and mother’s maiden name.

It also provides a parcel number, while stating without this personal information, your package will not be redelivered.

ActionFraud tweeted: “Watch out for these fake Royal Mail emails. They’ve been reported to us over 1,700 times…Help us remove malicious emails and websites like these by forwarding suspicious emails to: report@phishing.gov.uk.”

Royal Mail scam advice

They said the following:

1. Royal Mail will never send an email asking for credit card numbers or other personal or confidential information.
2. Royal Mail will never ask customers to enter information on a page that isn’t part of the Royal Mail website.
3. Royal Mail will never include attachments unless the email was solicited by customer e.g. customer has contacted Royal Mail with an enquiry or has signed up for updates from Royal Mail.
4. Royal Mail have also stressed that they do not receive a person’s email address as part of any home shopping experience.