Royal Mail issues warning over latest scams in the UK

The latest scam involves a fake email telling customers about a missed parcel delivery.

The email asks customers to settle a fee and provide their personal details.

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.

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

These are the latest scams circulating in the UK

1. Email scam

The message appears to be sent from Royal Mail UK.

It states the courier was unable to deliver the item.

If you get an email like this, it's a scam

It gives a notification number and asks you to confirm the parcel is yours.

Do not click on any links or enter any details.

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2. Text message

Message may be sent from deliverycentral.madebypi.com, but this may change.

If you click on the link in the first screen you'll see a message suggesting a package was found in transit and there is an outstanding delivery payment to make.

An example of the scam text message

3. Parcel collection

Text message saying a parcel is ready for collection.

A link takes you to a fake web site (royal-mail.cloud) where you'll be asked to make a payment.

Royal Mail said this was a scam text message

4. Track and trace

Email subject: YOUR PACKAGE #LZ8942357486EN IS ON THE WAY

The subject, sender, date and link may change.

The email informs you that you have a package awaiting collection and that payment of £1.00 is required to collect.

Another scam email alert

Do not click on any links or enter any details.

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.