News details

Beware the Fake Package Delivery Scam: How to Spot and Avoid This Sneaky Fraud

// Get current page URL and title const currentUrl = window.location.href; const currentTitle = document.title; function shareOnFacebook() { window.open(`https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=${encodeURIComponent(currentUrl)}`, '_blank', 'width=600,height=400'); return false; } function shareOnTwitter() { window.open(`https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=${encodeURIComponent(currentUrl)}&text=${encodeURIComponent(currentTitle)}`, '_blank', 'width=600,height=400'); return false; } function shareOnLinkedIn() { window.open(`https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=${encodeURIComponent(currentUrl)}`, '_blank', 'width=600,height=400'); return false; } function copyToClipboard() { navigator.clipboard.writeText(currentUrl).then(() => { // Show copied feedback const tooltip = document.querySelector('.social-icon.copylink .tooltip'); if (tooltip) { tooltip.textContent = 'Copied!'; setTimeout(() => { tooltip.textContent = 'Copy link'; }, 2000); } }).catch(err => { console.error('Failed to copy: ', err); // Fallback for older browsers const textarea = document.createElement('textarea'); textarea.value = currentUrl; document.body.appendChild(textarea); textarea.select(); try { document.execCommand('copy'); const tooltip = document.querySelector('.social-icon.copylink .tooltip'); if (tooltip) { tooltip.textContent = 'Copied!'; setTimeout(() => { tooltip.textContent = 'Copy link'; }, 2000); } } catch (err) { console.error('Fallback copy failed: ', err); } document.body.removeChild(textarea); }); return false; }

🚨 The Rise of Delivery Scams

With online shopping at an all-time high, scammers are exploiting our expectation of deliveries to steal personal and financial information. These convincing fake delivery notifications arrive via text, email, or even phone calls – and they’re tricking thousands of victims daily.

📦 How the Package Delivery Scam Works

The Initial Contact

You receive an unexpected message claiming to be from:

Royal Mail
DPD
FedEx
Amazon Logistics
UPS

The message typically says:
“We couldn’t deliver your package. Click here to reschedule → [LINK]”
“Pay £2.50 customs fee to release your delivery → [LINK]”
“Your Amazon order is held at depot. Verify address → [LINK]”

The Fake Website

The link takes you to a professional-looking but fraudulent site that asks for:

Personal details (name, address, phone number)
Payment information (for “redelivery fees”)
Login credentials (to “track your package”)

The Consequences

Once scammers have your information, they may:

Charge your card for fake fees
Steal your identity using personal details
Install malware on your device
Access other accounts if you reuse passwords

🔍 How to Spot a Fake Delivery Message

Red Flags to Watch For:

🚩 Unexpected messages about deliveries you didn’t order
🚩 Urgent demands (“Package will be returned!”)
🚩 Poor grammar/spelling mistakes
🚩 Suspicious links (e.g., “royalmail-reschedule.com”)
🚩 Requests for payment/personal details

How to Verify Legitimate Notices:

Check your real tracking numbers in the retailer’s app/website
Look up the courier’s official contact details (not from the message)
Never click links – visit the company website directly
Check your online shopping accounts for delivery updates

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself

1. Know How Real Couriers Communicate

Royal Mail leaves physical “Something for You” cards
DPD provides named driver details and one-hour delivery windows
Amazon updates delivery status in your account

2. Use Delivery Apps

Official apps like:

Royal Mail Track & Trace
DPD App
Amazon Shopping
Provide verified tracking updates

3. Report Suspicious Messages

UK: Forward texts to 7726, emails to report@phishing.gov.uk
US: Forward to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov

4. Payment Protection

Use credit cards (not debit) for online purchases
Enable two-factor authentication on shopping accounts

📌 What to Do If You Fell for the Scam

Contact your bank immediately to cancel payments
Change passwords on shopping/financial accounts
Run antivirus scans if you downloaded anything
Report to Action Fraud (UK) or FTC (US)

💡 Smart Delivery Habits

✔ Expecting a package? Track via the retailer’s official site
✔ Not home? Use official “safe place” instructions
✔ Unsure? Contact the courier using their official website details

🔗 Share this guide to help others avoid delivery scams!

DeliveryScam #PhishingAlert #OnlineSafety #StaySafeOnline