A new SMS text message scam has emerged, with fraudsters posing as the Royal Mail, according to evidence received by CTSI.
The text sent to members of the public reads: “your Royal Mail parcel is awaiting delivery. Please confirm the settlement of 1.99 (GBP) on the following link.”
The message then links to a website designed to look like an official Royal Mail platform. The page requests the target’s personal and payment details, which scammers could use to steal the target’s identity.
In February, Royal Mail warned the public about a similar email scam, which it appears has taken on a new form.
Concerns about delivery scams have risen since the UK reported a surge in online shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. This means that a targeted individual is now more likely to be awaiting a parcel from Royal Mail, or another delivery company, making the target more vulnerable to this kind of scam.
Katherine Hart, a Lead Officer at CTSI, said: “This delivery scam is yet another example of fraudsters attempting to make money out of the unsuspecting public. Due to the lockdowns, many millions of people rely on product deliveries, so scammers have focussed their efforts on this theme.
“Royal Mail will only ever contact you via text or email if a customs fee is due, not for domestic parcel delivery. If you have any suspicions, contact Royal Mail to verify before you click any links or share details.
“Also, the public must also be aware that these types of scams may come in many forms, and scammers do not only use Royal Mail branding. Indeed, in January, I commented on a similar scam that used DPD branding. These types of scams come in many forms, not just via text but also in emails and through the phone.”
