Royal Mail issues scam warning to UK customers

The latest scam involves a fake text message asking customers to settle a fee and provide their personal details.

One recipient, posted the phishing message on Twitter, which stated: "Your parcel is waiting for delivery, Please confirm the settlement of 2.99 (GBP) on the following link".

The link leads to a web page which references a package number and asks for a full name and a date of birth.

Royal Mail has advised people not to click on the link.

• SEE ALSO: UK parcel delivery firms ranked

The postal service has also provided details of other scams currently being circulated.

These are the other scams to watch out for:

1. Email scam

Email subject: Your package could not be delivered on 07/12/2020 (the date will change)

Sender: Royal Mail Group Ltd, various email addresses may be used including press.office@royalmail.com

People are being warned that this email is a scam

The email informs you that your package could not be delivered due to no custom duty being paid. 

Do not click on any links or enter any details.

2. Text scam

A text message states there is a package that needs to be resheduled and asks you to press on a 'bit.ly' link.

Another scam to watch out for

The link takes you to a scam site asking for payment.

Do not click on any links or enter any details.

3. Delivery scam

Email subject: We attempted to deliver your package at 09:35

Sender: RoyalMail Delivery, various email addresses are used

Some Royal Mail customers have been getting this scam email

The email informs you that you have missed a package delivery from HMRC Revenue & Customs and gives a link to reschedule the delivery.

Do not click on any links or enter any details.

4. Email notice on your delivery

The subject, sender, date and link may change.

The email links to SurveyGizmo site, and asks for your email and password.

The email links to SurveyGizmo site

Do not click on any links or enter any details.

5. Parcel delivery

This is a text message saying a parcel is waiting for delivery.

Customers are asked: "Please confirm the settlement of 2.99 (GBP) via a link."

This text message appearing to be from Royal Mail is actually a scam

Do not click on the link.

How to spot a fake email

Check at the top. Fraudsters often use subjects or greetings that are impersonal and general, like “Attention Royal Mail Customer”.

They may use a forged email address in the “from” field like "delivery@royalmail.com”.

They may even use the Royal Mail logo.

• SEE ALSO: Royal Mail give update on areas hit by Covid postal delays

The sender, subject and content may change slightly but often they:

• state there’s a parcel waiting to be collected
• ask for payment before an item can be released for delivery
• prompts you to open a link or document
• asks you to send a text message or call a phone premium rate phone number

Protect your information

• Never send sensitive, personal information, security details or credit card numbers by email
• Never click on a link in an email if you are unsure about it, especially if it asks for personal financial information, this might attempt to install malware on to your computer
• Make sure you have a spam filter on your email account
• Reporting potential scams

If you receive a suspicious email or discover a Royal Mail branded website which you think is fraudulent, let them know by completing an online form.

If you have been the victim of a payment scam, you can get a crime reference number by reporting it to your local police station.