Criminals impersonate legitimate delivery companies to commit fraud. They may contact you hoping you are waiting for a parcel to arrive.
The criminal might send you a text, email or other message claiming they have been unable to make a delivery and ask you to pay a fee or provide additional details to rearrange. They may include a link to a convincing but fraudulent website asking for personal or financial information. The link could also download malware to your device.
Many legitimate delivery companies will have a ‘track your parcel/delivery’ function on their websites. It is much safer to go to these directly on your browser, rather than following links sent to you in texts, emails or other messages.
How to protect yourself
Remain vigilant and check delivery notifications very carefully to ensure they are genuine.
Check what you’ve ordered online and track your parcel through the official websites of legitimate delivery companies.
Always access websites by typing them into the web browser and avoid clicking on links in texts.
Report suspicious messages by forwarding them to 7726.
A-Z of scams
Take Five to Stop Fraud
Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment. Stop and think. It could protect you and your money.
STOP
Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information. It could keep you safe.
CHALLENGE
Ask yourself, could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
PROTECT
Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been scammed and tell the Police at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040.