Parcel delivery scams - how to spot the warning signs

With many of us getting ready to start shopping for Christmas, the temptation is to avoid the swathes of crowds and buy online instead. With Black Friday now more of a month of pre-festive deals than a singular day, more of us will be getting items delivered to our door - and this is a prime time for scammers to try and get money or data from us.

Earlier this week we revealed that recruitment scams have entered Virgin Media O2's Scam Index top ten - sitting at the top spot is the parcel delivery scam.

We spot scams like this every week in The Scam Hound newsletter — one email, every Tuesday, free. → Subscribe

How a parcel delivery scam works

During times like November and December when you are buying more items online you may receive a text message or email claiming to be from a delivery company.

This message may say that your package is delayed or needs a small payment to be delivered, and these messages may be difficult to tell apart from a real text or email, especially when you may be getting many messages regarding many deliveries - it can be hard to keep track of them all.

The scammers' plan is to direct you to a fraudulent website and for you to enter your card details, or for you to install an app or click a link which contains spyware which can then be used to steal your personal or banking details.

A further trick criminals can use is to contact you after the initial fraud encouraging you to move your money into another account - owned by the scammers - for your "safety".

The Yorkshire Building Society has offered some other examples of delivery scams:

• A small fee has to be paid to get your package – it may try to scare you by stating your package will be sent back or to a depot if you don’t pay.

  
  

• A package you’ve sent will be returned, as the address was incorrect. You’ll be asked to enter your personal and payment details.

  
  

• A company tried to deliver a package, but you were out. Often this scam will include a link to schedule redelivery.

  
  

• A parcel isn’t going to be delivered unless you download an app. These apps can contain spyware to capture your personal details when you next use them.

How to spot the warning signs

• Check the number: A scam text message will often arrive as a mobile number, rather than from an official source.

  
  

• They try to rush you: A scam will often try to get you to act quickly, without taking a second to think. If a message is trying to get you to give them your details quickly, this is suspicious.

  
  

• Lacks details about your package: Delivery scams are often vague and won’t be specific about where the parcel is coming from – or what’s inside.

  
  

• Spelling and grammatical errors: A common way to spot a scam is spelling errors – check for mistakes or broken English. You may also see exclamation marks or strange capitalisation on fraudulent messages.

Royal Mail recently issued similar warnings over a rise in fake red delivery slips being put through people's doors - it says a red slip will never request payment and will contain fake QR codes or web addresses. If you want more information over how to spot a suspicious web address, click here.

If you think you have been a victim of scam, contact Report Fraud in England, Wales or Northern Ireland - in Scotland, contact Police Scotland on 101.

This article has been created for information purposes only and should not be considered financial advice.

We spot scams like this every week in The Scam Hound newsletter — one email, every Tuesday, free. → Subscribe