Major British retailers including John Lewis and Marks & Spencer have issued urgent warnings to customers about a sophisticated new text message scam that's sweeping across the UK.
The Deceptive Text Message
The scam begins with an innocent-looking text message claiming to be from reputable delivery companies like Royal Mail or Evri. The message typically states that a small fee needs to be paid before your package can be delivered, complete with convincing branding and official-looking links.
One victim shared their experience: "I received a text saying I needed to pay £2.99 for a parcel delivery. It looked completely genuine with Royal Mail branding, so I clicked through and entered my details."
How the Scam Works
Once victims click the link, they're directed to a professional-looking website that mimics the real delivery company's portal. The site prompts users to enter:
- Personal information
- Bank card details
- Address information
Security experts warn that these scammers don't just steal the initial small payment. They use the collected financial information to make larger unauthorized purchases and may even sell the data to other criminal networks.
Which Retailers Are Being Targeted?
The scam appears to be widespread, affecting customers of multiple major retailers:
- John Lewis & Partners
- Marks & Spencer
- Other popular UK high street brands
A John Lewis Partnership spokesperson confirmed: "We're aware of this scam and are working to protect our customers. We would never ask for payment via text message for delivery."
How to Protect Yourself
Cyber security experts recommend these crucial steps:
- Never click links in unexpected delivery texts
- Verify directly with the retailer using official contact details
- Check your order status through the retailer's official app or website
- Be suspicious of any request for small "redelivery fees"
If you suspect you've been targeted, contact your bank immediately and report the scam to Action Fraud. Remember: legitimate delivery companies will never ask for payment via text message links.
