In today’s digital age, parcel delivery scams have become alarmingly common, with one of the most prevalent being the Royal Mail parcel notification text scam.
This scam often impersonates Royal Mail, using official-looking messages to trick recipients into clicking harmful links or disclosing sensitive information.
These fraudulent texts usually claim that a parcel is waiting, a delivery was missed, or your address is incomplete, prompting urgent action. While the messages may appear legitimate, they are carefully crafted by scammers to steal personal and financial data.
As online shopping increases, so do these deceptive tactics. Understanding these scams is essential to protecting yourself and others across the UK.
What is a Royal Mail Parcel Notification Text Scam?
A Royal Mail parcel notification text scam is a fraudulent message pretending to be from Royal Mail, intended to deceive recipients into revealing private or financial information.
These scams typically notify you of a missed delivery or pending parcel, often asking you to click a link or make a payment to proceed. The fake messages can appear very convincing, sometimes including the Royal Mail logo and using official language.
The purpose of these texts is to direct you to a bogus website designed to capture your details, such as your address, date of birth, or bank card information.
Once provided, this data can be misused for identity theft or financial fraud. Scammers rely on the element of surprise and urgency, prompting quick action without careful thought.
It’s important to understand that Royal Mail will never request payments or personal data through text messages. Recognising these scams is the first step to staying safe.
Why Are You Receiving Fake Royal Mail Text Messages?
Fake Royal Mail text messages are often the result of large-scale data harvesting or leaks. Scammers don’t typically target individuals specifically, instead, they send out mass text campaigns hoping some recipients have recently ordered a parcel.
Reasons You Might Receive Such Texts
- Your number was acquired from a previous data breach.
- You’ve recently shopped online, making you more susceptible.
- You entered your number into a site that wasn’t secure.
- Scammers guessed your number using automated systems.
These scams use psychological tactics to instil urgency and fear. By mentioning missed deliveries or parcel delays, scammers know you’re more likely to act without hesitation.
Common Characteristics Include
- Requests to pay a small delivery charge.
- Claims of incomplete address information.
- Promises to redeliver a missed item.
- Links that redirect to fake Royal Mail websites.
These text scams rely on timing and emotion. If you’re expecting a parcel, you’re more vulnerable to believing the message is genuine.
This is why the scams often increase during peak shopping periods like Christmas, Black Friday or January sales. Staying informed and cautious is your best line of defence.
What Does a Fake Royal Mail Text Look Like?
Fake Royal Mail texts are crafted to closely mimic legitimate messages. They often use a professional tone, include official branding, and mimic real tracking alerts. However, there are subtle giveaways that can help you identify a scam.
A typical message may read:
“Royal Mail: We attempted to deliver your parcel today but no one was available. Please reschedule delivery and pay £1.45 by clicking here.”
This is usually followed by a shortened or suspicious-looking URL. These texts often create a sense of urgency, demanding immediate action to prevent delays or return of the parcel. Some may even warn that the package will be destroyed if action isn’t taken.
What’s crucial to remember is that Royal Mail never asks for payments or address updates via SMS. If a text includes a link or asks for sensitive information, it’s a red flag. Delete it immediately and never interact with the link provided.
How Do You Know If a Text from Royal Mail Is Genuine?
Verifying whether a Royal Mail text is real or fake is key to protecting your personal data. Scammers go to great lengths to make their messages look authentic, but there are certain signs you can use to determine their legitimacy.
Clues That Indicate a Text May be Genuine
- Royal Mail does not request payments through text messages.
- Legitimate texts will not use shortened or suspicious links.
- Genuine tracking messages will match a parcel you’re expecting.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Messages that start with “Dear Customer” instead of using your name.
- Unusual language, typos or grammar mistakes.
- Requests for personal or financial information.
- Pressure to act urgently or click a link immediately.
Tips to Stay Safe
- Always check your official Royal Mail account or app instead of clicking links.
- Call Royal Mail customer service if unsure about a message.
- Never share banking or address details from a text request.
Remember, when in doubt, do not respond. Cross-checking through official channels ensures you’re not falling victim to these deceptive tactics.
Can You Trust a Royal Mail Incomplete Address Text?
Messages claiming your parcel cannot be delivered due to an incomplete address are a popular scam tactic. These texts usually inform you that your delivery has failed and that further action is required to update your address.
The message then includes a link, leading to a convincing but fraudulent page that asks for personal details or payment.
While these messages can look authentic, Royal Mail will not ask for address updates through a text message. If an address is genuinely incomplete, Royal Mail typically leaves a card or updates your tracking info through the official app or website.
Scammers use this method because it plays on a plausible scenario. If you’ve recently ordered something online, it’s easy to believe that the address was entered incorrectly.
However, providing your information through the link can lead to identity theft or unauthorised charges. Always verify through Royal Mail’s official communication channels before taking any action.
What Should You Do If You’ve Clicked on a Scam Royal Mail Text?
Stop and Disconnect
If you’ve clicked on a suspicious Royal Mail text link, disconnect from the internet or mobile data immediately. This prevents further data transfer or malware installation.
Avoid Entering Any Data
If you haven’t yet submitted information, close the page immediately. Do not proceed with any forms or payments.
Report the Incident
Forward the message to 7726, the UK’s spam reporting service. You can also email reportascam@royalmail.com and report it to Action Fraud.
Monitor Your Accounts
If you entered personal or financial information, inform your bank immediately. Monitor your transactions and consider changing your passwords if you submitted login details.
Taking swift action can minimise damage and help authorities prevent future scams. The sooner you act, the better your chances of preventing identity theft or financial loss.
How Does the Royal Mail Scam Text Compare to Other Parcel Delivery Scams?
The Royal Mail scam text is just one of many parcel delivery scams targeting UK consumers. Others impersonate companies like Hermes, DPD or Evri. Though similar in structure, they differ in wording, payment requests and branding.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Courier | Common Scam Message | Unique Scam Element |
| Royal Mail | Missed parcel, address issue, £1.45 fee | Royal Mail branding, urgency tone |
| Hermes | Delivery issue, tracking link | Use of fake parcel tracking pages |
| DPD | Pay to reschedule delivery | Includes fraudulent QR codes |
| Evri (MyHermes) | Update address for parcel | Mimics mobile-friendly interface |
Scammers follow a pattern but adjust branding and format to match each courier. Being familiar with these differences can help you identify and report scams more effectively.
How to Report a Royal Mail Parcel Delivery Scam Text?
Forward the Scam Text
Send the suspicious message to 7726, which is a free spam-reporting service available to all major UK mobile networks.
This service allows your network provider to investigate and block the number that sent the message, helping to reduce future scam attempts for everyone. Forwarding the message is quick and contributes to a safer digital environment.
Report to Royal Mail
If the scam message claims to be from Royal Mail, forward it to reportascam@royalmail.com along with any additional details, such as the phone number that sent it or screenshots.
This helps Royal Mail track new scam trends and notify customers about evolving fraud techniques. Their security teams actively monitor these reports to take preventative measures.
Notify Action Fraud
Visit the Action Fraud website, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, to submit an official report.
Providing information here ensures the scam is recorded by law enforcement and contributes to national investigations into organised cybercrime. The more reports received, the better the authorities can track and combat these scams.
Contact Your Bank
If you’ve entered payment details, immediately contact your bank or card provider to alert them of the situation.
They can freeze your account or card, monitor for suspicious transactions, and in some cases, recover your money. It’s important to act quickly to reduce the risk of financial loss or identity misuse.
Spread Awareness
Inform your friends, family, neighbours, and even co-workers about the scam, especially those who may be more vulnerable or less tech-savvy.
Sharing your experience helps prevent others from falling into the same trap. The more people are aware of the threat, the harder it becomes for scammers to exploit others.
How Can You Protect Yourself Against Future Parcel Delivery Scam Messages?
Staying protected from parcel delivery scams like the Royal Mail text scam means being alert and cautious at all times. With the rise in online shopping, scammers are becoming more aggressive in their tactics.
Steps You Can Take
- Do not click on links in unsolicited text messages.
- Use the official Royal Mail website to track parcels.
- Avoid responding to messages asking for payments or personal info.
- Install spam filters or security apps on your phone.
- Keep your software and antivirus updated regularly.
Additional Protective Measures
- Block suspicious numbers manually or through your mobile provider.
- Sign up for delivery alerts through verified platforms only.
- Be cautious with your phone number, only provide it on trusted websites.
- Educate others in your household, especially older family members, about these scams.
Your best defence is awareness. By recognising the patterns and staying informed, you can protect yourself and reduce the risk of falling victim to text-based scams in the future.
Conclusion
Royal Mail parcel notification text scams are a growing threat in the UK, particularly as online shopping becomes more common. These scams use urgency and deception to steal your personal or financial data, often through realistic-looking messages.
While they may seem legitimate, Royal Mail never asks for payments or address confirmations via text. Staying cautious, recognising scam signs, and knowing how to report them can help you stay protected.
The more we share this knowledge, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed. Keep your data safe, educate others, and report suspicious messages immediately to help fight this ongoing threat.
FAQs About Royal Mail Parcel Notification Text Scam
What should I do if I entered my bank details into a scam text?
Immediately contact your bank and report the scam to Action Fraud to prevent any unauthorised activity.
Are Royal Mail scams more common during holiday seasons?
Yes, scammers increase these texts during peak shopping times like Christmas and Black Friday.
Can I get my money back after falling for a Royal Mail scam?
In many cases, banks can reverse fraudulent payments if notified quickly and evidence is provided.
Is there a way to check if a tracking link is legitimate?
Yes, always go directly to Royal Mail’s official website to verify tracking information rather than using a text link.
Do scammers use Royal Mail branding to look more authentic?
Absolutely, they often copy Royal Mail’s logo, tone, and formatting to gain your trust.
What happens if I download an attachment from a scam SMS?
Downloading attachments can install harmful software that steals your data or tracks your activity.
How does the Royal Mail scam relate to identity theft?
These scams often collect enough personal details to impersonate you for financial fraud or unauthorised account access.
