Spot the Scam

Scam texts, emails, websites and cards can look convincing. They often claim there’s a problem with your parcel and urge you to act quickly. Before you click a link, scan a QR code or make a payment, check for the warning signs below.

Scam examples

Text message: Item returned to our local facility

Example: Your item intended to arrive tomorrow is now returned to our local facility. Visit [website] by [date]

The website link takes you to a non-Royal Mail website.

Text message: Your item is at our warehouse

Example: Your item is at our warehouse, where it will be held until [date]. Visit [website].

The website link takes you to a non-Royal Mail website.

Text message: Item sent back to handling facility

Example: Your item due to arrive tomorrow has been sent back to our handling facility. Visit [website] by [date].

The website link takes you to a non-Royal Mail website.

Email: Request for a customs fee

Example: As you may be aware, your package has now reached the customs office and requires customs duty payment to proceed with the delivery process.

Customs duty amount: [fee]

The website link takes you to a non-Royal Mail website.

Email: Parcel delivery unsuccessful - address incomplete

Example: We attempted to deliver your parcel today, but the delivery address provided was incomplete... Confirm your full delivery address and arrange re-delivery at no extra cost.

The link within the email points to a non-Royal Mail website.

To protect yourself from these types of scams – always visit the official website yourself instead of using any links provided.

Scammers regularly change wording, links, sender names and layouts. The examples on this page are illustrative and may not match every scam exactly.