Warning issued over scam texts and emails claiming you’ve missed a parcel delivery

A warning has been issued following reports of scam emails and texts claiming that you’ve missed a parcel delivery.

Trading Standards say the messages are becoming increasingly common as more people order online.

The messages can ask for a small fee to re-arrange delivery – that gives the scammers access to your bank details and you’re likely to lose a lot more than a delivery fee.

Even if you are expecting a parcel pay very close attention to the email.

Text messages claiming to be from the Royal Mail have also been circulating.

The messages, which contain a link, say that an attempt was made to deliver a parcel but no one was at home.

The recipient is then asked to click the link to rearrange the delivery and asks for payment.

These messages are not from the Royal Mail and people are being urged not to click the link or provide any personal details if they are contacted.

Trading Standards advice is:

• If a message is asking for money or personal or financial information in exchange for a package, it’s likely a scam. Please forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) at [email protected] then delete it.
• Check the ‘from’ address – is it from a company or organisation, or from a random email address? Always check out their website.
• Look closely at the email – is there poor spelling or grammar? Scammers are getting better at making their messages look more professional.
• If you want to report something you think is suspicious, please contact Citizens Advice Consumer Services on 03454 040506.