Royal Mail Text Scam Guide: How to Spot the Common Delivery Message Trap
Fake delivery texts are designed to catch you when you are already expecting a parcel.
Why these messages work
Delivery scams exploit routine. A small unpaid fee, missed delivery claim, or address check sounds plausible when you genuinely have parcels on the way. Fraudsters win by sounding ordinary, not dramatic.
Typical warning signs
Watch for shortened links, random sender numbers, bad spelling, or a domain that does not belong to the courier. Some messages ask for a tiny fee because small amounts trigger less scepticism.
How to verify safely
Do not tap the link in the text. Open the official courier app or type the courier website into your browser manually. If a tracking number is shown, check it only through the official channel you opened yourself.
If you clicked the link
Close the page. If you entered card details, contact your bank or card issuer quickly and explain that the information may have been submitted to a fraudulent page. If you entered a password, change it immediately and enable two-factor authentication.
If you installed an app
Delete the app, review permissions, run a device security scan, and change important credentials from a clean device if possible. Some smishing campaigns are designed to capture messages and banking prompts.
Reducing future risk
Use official parcel apps, be sceptical of small-payment requests, and treat any text that creates urgency around delivery or customs fees as suspicious until independently confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Are all parcel fee texts fake?
Not automatically, but you should never trust the link inside the message. Verify through the official courier site or app instead.
Can scammers spoof sender names?
Yes. The name shown above the message is not reliable proof of authenticity.
Should I report the message?
Yes. Reporting helps carriers and networks identify repeat campaigns.