Day 1 – The Fake Delivery Scam
When “Your Parcel Is Waiting” Isn’t What It Seems
It’s that time of year again, the doorbell never stops ringing, parcels arrive in stacks, and we’re all waiting for that one last delivery to make Christmas complete. But amidst the festive flurry, scammers are waiting too, ready to take advantage of our excitement.
One of the most common holiday scams is the fake delivery text or email. It looks convincing, a message claiming that a parcel couldn’t be delivered, or that a small fee is needed to reschedule. The branding often looks real, with logos from well-known couriers like Royal Mail, DPD, or Evri. The problem? It’s not from them at all.
How the Scam Works
You receive a text or email saying something like:
“Your parcel is waiting for delivery. Please confirm the small fee of £1.45 to release it.”
Clicking the link takes you to a fake website designed to look like the courier’s official page. You’ll be asked to enter your name, address, and card details, and within minutes, scammers have everything they need to empty your account.
Sometimes, the link installs malware on your phone or computer, giving fraudsters access to personal data or login details.
What to Watch Out For
- Spelling mistakes, strange URLs, or email addresses that don’t match the real company.
- Messages that create urgency, “final notice” or “immediate action required.”
- Requests for payment or personal information to release a parcel.
- No mention of the actual retailer you ordered from, genuine tracking updates usually do.
How to Stay Safe
- Stop before you click. Does the message feel right?
- Check the official courier website or app instead.
- Ask yourself: was I expecting a delivery?
- Monitor your bank accounts and report any suspicious activity immediately.
If you’re unsure, go directly to the courier’s website by typing the address manually, never use the link in a message.
You can also report scam texts to 7726 (that’s “SPAM” on your keypad), it’s free, and helps shut down fake numbers.
A Final Word
Scammers rely on the festive rush to cloud our judgement. But with a moment’s pause, and by remembering Stop • Check • Ask • Monitor, you can keep your Christmas parcels, and your peace of mind, safe from fraud.
View other days of the 12 Scams of Christmas
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