Royal Mail has issued a warning to customers about a rise in scams that imitate delivery notifications, fee requests, and missed parcel messages. The postal service and courier company is urging people to check for warning signs before acting on any suspicious message.
In a social media post this month, Royal Mail said: "Scam texts, emails, websites and cards can look convincing. They often claim there’s an issue with your parcel and pressure you to act fast. Before you click a link, scan a QR code or make a payment, take a moment to check for the warning signs first."
How to spot a scam message
Royal Mail will only contact you by email or text if tracking updates were requested by the sender when posting the item. The company will not ask for your bank details, passwords, or personal data, nor will it ask for payment for an underpaid item by email or text. Instead, it always leaves a grey "Fee to Pay" card.
Royal Mail may send a text message or email notification for customs fee charges where the sender has provided your contact details, as well as a grey "Fee to Pay" card. It will also not email attachments unless you specifically asked for them, nor will it ask you to enter information on a website that is not part of Royal Mail.
What to do if you receive a suspicious message
If you receive a suspicious email, Royal Mail advises forwarding it to reportascam@royalmail.com and marking it as spam in your inbox. For a text message, the service recommends screenshotting the message, sending it to reportascam@royalmail.com, and forwarding the text to 7726 (free) to report it to your mobile provider.
If a suspicious message arrives through your letterbox, Royal Mail asks customers to complete its online scam mail form and contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.
Common signs of scams
Common signs of a text message scam include messages claiming that Royal Mail couldn’t deliver your package because a fee needs to be paid. Scammers may also claim that your parcel is waiting for collection and encourage you to click on a link. Be cautious of messages containing shortened links, such as bit.ly, or unfamiliar web addresses, as these may lead to fraudulent websites.
Common signs of an email scam include emails claiming that Royal Mail was unable to deliver your package or pretending to be from HMRC or customs. These emails may ask you to reschedule a delivery through a link or request sensitive information, such as your login credentials or payment details. Such messages should be treated with suspicion, especially if they create a sense of urgency or ask you to provide personal or financial information.
Royal Mail's checklist advises customers to ask four questions before acting on any message: whether they asked for tracking updates, whether the message asks for money or personal info, whether the link looks unusual or shortened, and whether they feel pressured or rushed. The company notes that scammers often create urgency, while Royal Mail does not.
