Brits awaiting online orders are being targeted by a ruthless new wave of 'phantom delivery' text messages, with authorities warning the sophisticated scam is swindling victims out of thousands of pounds.
The fraudulent SMS messages, designed to appear genuine, claim a parcel delivery is pending due to an unpaid 'small shipping fee'. They contain a link to a convincing but entirely fake Royal Mail website that harvests personal and financial information.
How The 'Phantom Delivery' Scam Operates
The scam preys on the surge in online shopping. The process is deceptively simple:
- The Bait: You receive an unsolicited SMS message stating a Royal Mail parcel is awaiting delivery.
- The Hook: The message insists a small fee (often around £2.49) must be paid to release your package.
- The Trap: A link directs you to a professional-looking clone of the Royal Mail website.
- The Theft: The fake site prompts you to enter personal details and payment information, which is instantly stolen by criminals.
Official Warnings Issued
Royal Mail has reiterated that it will never send unsolicited texts asking for payment details. A genuine Royal Mail text will only be sent if a recipient has requested an update, and any fee would be collected at the door, not via a link.
Action Fraud, the national reporting centre, has issued an alert, confirming a significant number of reports from defrauded members of the public. The losses are not limited to the small 'fee' mentioned; once criminals have bank details, they often attempt much larger transactions.
How To Protect Yourself
Consumers are urged to remain vigilant. Follow these steps to avoid falling victim:
- Delete unsolicited texts about deliveries from unknown numbers.
- Never click on links within suspicious messages.
- Verify directly: If unsure, track your parcel using the official app or website of the retailer you purchased from, not a link provided in a text.
- Report it: Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) and report the incident to Action Fraud.
This 'phantom delivery' scam is a stark reminder that criminals are constantly adapting their methods. Vigilance is the best defence against these increasingly convincing fraudulent schemes.
