Scammers are getting smarter each and every year. In many cases, even the most tech-savvy person might have to look twice at an email or SMS scam. Messages are becoming more and more like their real counterparts, making it hard to know whether or not it’s legitimate. As such, people are increasingly falling victim to SMS scams. So, how can you spot a delivery scam text?
Delivery scam texts often contain information about failed delivery attempts or fake tracking links. Key factors to look out for include:
- Random phone numbers
- Poor written English
- Text that rushes you to act
- Does the message contain real information about your parcel?
Keep reading to learn more about delivery text scams, what they look like and what to do if you receive one.
What are Delivery Text Scams?
Have you ever received a text message or email claiming that Royal Mail, Evri or another delivery company has dispatched or delivered, and in some cases failed to deliver your parcel, but you weren’t expecting a parcel? Chances are, this was a delivery scam message.
Cyber criminals prey on unsuspecting people, especially around peak delivery times such as Christmas, with the aim of getting them to click on a link that might:
- Install malware
- Take them to a phishing page that encourages them to input personal or financial information
- Or simply just take their money
Some phone networks actively try to block such messages, but there are still so many more that get through. Therefore, it’s important to know what they look like, how to spot them and what to do if you fall victim to such a scam.
What Do Delivery Scam Texts Look Like?
Whilst such scams can also come via email, they are most commonly received as text messages. Often, they look legitimate, and follow the same structure as real delivery updates from the supposed company. This is why they’re so dangerous. Even the most scam-savvy person could easily fall into their trap if they are expecting a delivery from that company.
In terms of the content of delivery scam texts, often, they will:
- Claim that they failed to deliver your parcel and are trying to arrange redelivery. You would be asked to input personal information.
- Claim that a small fee has to be paid to release the parcel. The message may try to scare you by stating your package will be sent back or to a depot if you don’t pay.
- Include a fake tracking link that could install malware.
The Royal Mail details some examples of delivery scam texts. Click here to take a look.
How to Spot a Delivery Text Scam
Now you know the type of messages you’re looking for, here’s how to spot a delivery text scam. First, are you expecting a delivery from the company mentioned in the text? If not, do not open the message, click on any links or provide any information.
If you are expecting a delivery from the company mentioned in the text, you can check the following to ensure that it’s a legitimate text:
- Check the number. Often scammers will use random mobile numbers rather than an official source or spoof real numbers. These days, many mobile phones have caller-ID on texts and will tell you who the message is from. Alternatively, most companies now use short SMS numbers rather than long-form mobile numbers. However, this has become easily spoofed therefore we recommend you rely on other checks as well as this one.
- Is the message well written using good English? Often scam texts have spelling errors or use broken English.
- Is the message trying to rush you? Scammers will often try to make you act quick without thinking.
- Does the message contain real information about your parcel? A legitimate message should, at least, contain a tracking and/or order number.
If you are ever unsure about the legitimacy of a delivery update, a safer way to check is by using the delivery company’s website or app. In most cases, they will ask for your tracking details and your postcode.
You can also forward any suspicious messages to your phone provider, free of charge on 7726. They will investigate the message. Once reported, block the number so it cannot contact you again.
What to Do if You Fall Victim to a Delivery Scam text
If you receive an SMS and you’re even just slightly apprehensive about the legitimacy of it, do not open it, click on any links, reply to the message, or provide any personal or financial details.
If you responded to a suspicious message, we recommend taking the following steps:
| Situation | Action |
| You provided your banking details | Contact your bank, inform them of the situation and follow their advice. |
| You provided personal information | Personal information can be used to tailor phishing emails and facilitate with banking or identity fraud. |
| You opened a link that downloaded software | If you have it, open antivirus software and run a full scan. Allow your software to clean up any issues it finds. |
| You gave out your password | Change your passwords on that account and any others that use the same password. |
| You’ve lost money | Contact your bank and report it as a crime to Action Fraud. |
In the news : EE blocks 45 million SMS scams in 2023
In the run up to Christmas, many people buy online to avoid the crowds and work around busy schedules. But, at busy periods like Christmas, scammers are all the more active. On just one day in December 2023, EE reported blocking three million SMS scams and estimated to block around five million in the month of December.
EE went on to report that they had blocked 45 million SMS scams in 2023, with the most common scams being delivery related. EE urged customers to be vigilant and offered advice on how to stay scam safe:
- Never click on a link from an unknown source.
- Trust your gut – if it looks suspicious, it’s probably illegitimate.
- Never give out personal or financial information, or passwords.
- Report and block suspicious texts.
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