Delivery text scams: how to spot this common scam

Reports of delivery text scams typically spike in the weeks leading up to Christmas as fraudsters exploit shoppers expecting multiple home deliveries. 

Scam delivery texts often impersonate well-known delivery brands. Recent research by Which? and the DNS Research Federation (DNSRF) found Amazon, Royal Mail and DHL topping the list of brands most impersonated in fake delivery texts. 

The messages usually claim you’ve missed a delivery, or there’s a chance you could miss a delivery - aiming to pressure you into clicking a link included in the text.

Here, we explain how to spot the signs of a fake message

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What does a scam delivery text look like?

With so many parcels being expected over this period, it's a prime target for scammers. 

While some fake messages are easier to spot than others, the typical signs that a message is fake include:

• It's a message sent from an unknown mobile number.
• It's urging you to take action - it may warn you you've missed your parcel delivery, or you’ve already missed it, your address is incorrect/incomplete or you have postage to pay.
• It prompts you to follow a link to take action - the links included in the message are often a jumble of letters, but sometimes they can closely resemble the official website of the brand they are impersonating .
• The message itself starts with the name of a delivery company - for example: 'Evri - Your delivery will be suspended due to lack of address details.'
• It contains spelling or grammar mistakes, or the tone doesn't sound professional.
• You’re not expecting a delivery from the courier or retailer mentioned in the message.

The main aim of scammers sending fake texts is to trick you into handing over your personal information such as your name, phone number and address. They may steal banking details such as card numbers and which bank you use, as well as conning you out of small sums of money. Once they have your information, fraudsters use it to contact you directly and hook you into a bigger scam.

• Read more: how to spot a text message scam

How to avoid a text message scam

Treat all texts about deliveries with caution, even if you’re expecting a package. 

Genuine messages can contain links too, but it's important to never follow a link from a text message to avoid the risk of being scammed. 

Crucially, if there’s an issue with a delivery, the retailer or courier will try to contact you another way, or automatically attempt to redeliver the parcel. If you're concerned, contact the retailer or courier directly using contact details found on their websites.

Don’t reply to the text or call the number it was sent from, as fraudsters can often tell if a text message has been opened. Opening the message tells them the number is being used and they’re likely to target you with more scams. Most phones will allow you to see a preview of the message before you open it, so you can delete it without opening it.

If you’ve lost money after following a link sent to you in a fake text, contact your bank.

No matter how small the amount you’ve lost, you should also report the scam to Action Fraud online, or call 0300 123 2040. If you live in Scotland, you can report scams to Police Scotland by calling 101. You can also report scam texts by forwarding the message to 7726 free of charge. 

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