Fraud experts are warning the public about a terrifyingly believable Royal Mail text message scam that can give criminals access to victims’ bank accounts in minutes.
The scam begins with a fake text message claiming a failed parcel delivery attempt, urging the recipient to reschedule or pay a small fee—usually around £1.99 or £2.99. However, the link included in the message redirects to a fraudulent Royal Mail website designed to steal personal and banking information.
How the Scam Works
Once a victim clicks the link and enters their details, fraudsters often follow up with a phone call, pretending to be from the victim’s bank. They claim the account has been compromised and instruct the victim to transfer money to a so-called ‘safe account’—a classic bank transfer scam.
“This is where people lose thousands,” Hampson explained. “It’s sophisticated and cruel.”
This type of scam has resurfaced repeatedly in recent years, particularly during lockdowns and busy delivery periods such as Black Friday, Christmas, and summer sales.
“Scammers recycle what works,” Hampson added. “They tweak the details, but the core tactic is the same: official-looking branding, urgent language, and emotional manipulation.”
How to Spot and Avoid the Scam
CEL Solicitors reports a surge in delivery-related scams in the past 12 months, with individual losses ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of pounds.
To protect yourself:
- Do not click links in unsolicited delivery texts.
- Always go to the official Royal Mail website to track parcels or check alerts.
- Never provide personal or financial details via links sent by text.
- Report scam texts by forwarding them to 7726, a free service used by mobile networks to investigate fraud.
“Scammers rely on panic and speed,” Hampson said. “If something doesn’t feel right, slow down, double-check, and trust your instincts.”
How to Verify a Royal Mail Text
- Royal Mail will never ask for payment or personal details via text.
- Be cautious of messages with links—verify the web address independently.
- Visit royalmail.com to report suspicious messages or check for current scam alerts.
