~/scams explained / parcel-delivery-sms-scam

Fake parcel text: "Delivery failed"

You get a text saying a parcel could not be delivered. It is a fake message claiming to come from a delivery company, meant to lure you to a link.

How the scam works

1. You receive a text that claims to be from a delivery company: "Delivery failed" or "Your parcel is waiting".
2. The message contains a link where you are told to choose a new delivery date or pay a small fee.
3. The link leads to a copied website that looks very much like the real delivery company.
4. There you are asked for your name, address and card details, sometimes also a code sent by your bank.
5. The criminals use your details to take money or to get into your accounts. Many people really are waiting for a parcel, which makes the trick believable.

How to spot it

• You are not expecting a parcel, or you do not know who sent it.
• The text comes from an unknown number and gives no name or tracking number.
• It puts you under time pressure: the parcel will be sent back or destroyed.
• You suddenly have to pay a small fee for delivery.
• The link looks odd or shortened, or the address does not match the delivery company.
• The wording is clumsy or full of mistakes.

What to do now

• Do not tap the link and do not reply to the text.
• Check your parcel yourself: open the official app or website of the delivery company or of the shop where you ordered.
• Never share card details, passwords or codes from a text message.
• Delete the message and block the number.
• Report the text to your mobile provider or a consumer protection service and warn family and friends.

Already clicked or paid?

1. Only tapped the link: close the page, enter nothing and do not install any app.
2. Entered details: change the password of the affected accounts at once and call your bank using the number on your card.
3. Shared card details or codes: have the card blocked and check your transactions.
4. Report it to the police and keep screenshots of the message.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell a real parcel notice from a fake one?

Real notices can be checked in the official app or in your account at the shop. A normal delivery is not paid for through a link in a text message.

I really am expecting a parcel. What now?

That is exactly when to be careful. Open the official app or site yourself and enter your tracking number there instead of using the link in the text.

Should I call the number back?

No. Replying or calling back tells the criminals your number is active. Deleting and blocking is the safe way.

More scams

• Fake bank email: "Account locked" and "renew your security method"
• Fake PayPal email: "Account limited" and "suspicious payment"
• Fake Amazon email: order, Prime, locked account or refund
• "Hi Mum, new number": the WhatsApp scam with the fake child
• Classified ads scam: the fake buyer with the "secure payment link"
• How to spot a fake online shop
• Prize draw scam: why "You have won" is often a trap
• Fake Microsoft support: the phone call and virus pop-up scam
• Fake bank employee call: when the bank seems to be calling
• Crypto investment scam: fake ads with famous faces
• Tax refund phishing: fake emails from authorities

General advice, not legal advice. If you lost money, involve your bank and the police.

← All scams