Warning over Royal Mail scam which could empty your bank account

Fraudsters are using a Royal Mail scam to target people’s cash – and they’ve already taken one person’s entire life savings.

The fraudsters are attempting to get their hands on unsuspecting Brits’ cash by using a “safe account” scam.

The scam has been highlighted in the West Midlands by Birmingham Live, but could affect other parts of the country too.

The scam has already cost one Birmingham graduate her entire savings, she revealed on Twitter in a viral thread last week.

Actor Emmeline Hartley, 28, said the scam had wiped her account clean.

“I mentioned yesterday that I’d been scammed out of every penny I had,” the tweet reads. “Thought I’d post what happened in case it helps anyone avoid being in the same position.

“Please save the lectures, I don’t think it’s possible for me to feel any stupider.”

Royal Mail and Action Fraud have both worked together to issue warnings to Brits who could fall victim to the scam, which is a text message.

Some have reported clicking the fake links before receiving phone calls from scammers posing as bank workers, urging them to transfer funds to “safe accounts”.

The scam reads: “Your parcel has an unpaid shipping fee, pay this now.”

It then shares a fraudulent link with recipients, imploring them to click and complete the purchase.

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It adds: “Failure will result in the parcel being returned to sender.”

Royal Mail warns customers not to click on any links or enter personal details.

Royal Mail advises anyone who believes they have received a scam or suspicious email or text from the postal service to complete this online form.

If you have been the victim of a payment scam, you can get a crime reference number by reporting it to your local police station.

Also, report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 204.