A new Royal Mail scam text message is doing the rounds, targeting those that may have sent parcels in the post.
With numerous text message scams reported from the likes of Natwest, HSBC, Santander and DPD, Royal Mail appear to be one of the most used brands by the scammers.
The text message being sent in the latest scam reads: “Royal Mail: please pay your dispatch fee immediately… or your parcel will be returned to sender.”
The texts also include a link to a fraudulent website which asks for for personal and payment details.
Katherine Hart of The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) said: “This delivery scam is yet another example of fraudsters attempting to make money out of the unsuspecting public. Due to the lockdowns, many millions of people rely on product deliveries, so scammers have focused their efforts on this theme.
“Royal Mail will only ever contact you via text or email if a customs fee is due, not for domestic parcel delivery. If you have any suspicions, contact Royal Mail to verify before you click any links or share details.
“Also, the public must also be aware that these types of scams may come in many forms, and scammers do not only use Royal Mail branding.
“Indeed, in January, I commented on a similar scam that used DPD branding.
“These types of scams come in many forms, not just via text but also in emails and through the phone.”
People are encouraged to report scams to Action Fraud, or for email scams contact the National Cyber Security Centre by emailing report@phishing.gov.uk.
