UK households are being warned about a new 'phantom parcel' scam that tricks victims into paying small fees for fake deliveries. Criminals send texts, emails, or WhatsApp messages pretending to be from major courier companies such as Royal Mail, DPD, Evri, or DHL.
The scam claims that a fee of between £1 and £3 is needed for redelivery or customs clearance. Victims are directed to fake websites that closely mimic genuine courier sites, complete with official logos and branding. Once card details are entered, scammers can empty bank accounts or steal identities.
An OddsMonkey spokesperson said: 'These dangerous scams prey on our expectation of deliveries. When you're waiting for parcels, especially during busy shopping periods, your guard is naturally down.' The small amounts requested often bypass caution, while threats of delayed parcels create urgency.
Experts advise never clicking links in unexpected parcel messages. Instead, go directly to the courier's official website to check tracking. Check the sender's email address carefully; scam messages often use suspicious domains. Real courier companies will never ask for payment via text or email links for standard deliveries or domestic customs fees.
If you receive a suspicious message, forward scam texts to 7726 and phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. If you have already entered your details, contact your bank immediately to report potential fraud.
