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Royal Mail has issued a warning after fake emails and texts have been circulating asking recipients to pay money for a parcel delivery.
The scam messages tell the receiver they need to make a shipping fee payment for their package to be delivered, while others ask for personal details to be updated to book a delivery slot.
Caution to customers
The fake texts and emails appear to have been sent by Royal Mail and attempt to direct recipients to a link where they are asked to enter their personal details.
The email message claims that the receiver needs to correct an error in their address, and must follow a link to update their details and book a delivery slot.
It reads: “We are waiting your reschedule action. Shipment no: 28133634982292. If this item is unclaimed by the return date, then it will be returned to sender.
“We tried to deliver your parcel today but you weren’t in or there was no safe place to leave it.
“We require additional details to attempt re-delivery of this parcel, as the address provided appears to be incomplete.
“Please provide the complete information for this address to attempt redelivery. Currently, your parcel is being stored in our local depot. Book your delivery.”
Some customers have also received scam text messages asking them to make a shipping payment for their parcel, stating “actions will be taken if you do not pay this fee”.
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Royal Mail has issued caution to customers and urged anyone who receives a suspicious email, text or any other unsolicited form of contact from the company to exercise vigilance.
In a statement, the company said: “Royal Mail will only send email and SMS notifications to customers where the sender has requested this when using our trackable products that offer this service.
“The only time we would ask customers to make a payment in an email or SMS is if a customs fee is due.
“In this case, we will also leave a grey card telling them there’s a fee to pay, either for the international customs fee or a surcharge for an underpaid item, before we can release the item. This may arrive later than the email or SMS.”
Warning signs to look for
Action Fraud recommends being wary of fraudulent emails and messages that:
- are unsolicited and supposedly come from a reputable organisation, such as a bank or credit card company
- encourage you urgently to visit a website or call a number to verify or update your details
- request your personal information such as username, password or bank account
If you do receive a suspicious message you should not reply to it, and be cautious about clicking on any links that may be embedded, or calling a number that may be provided.
If you have responded to a message that you suspect to be a scam and gave your bank account details, you should contact your bank immediately.
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