Delivery Scams5 min read10 June 2026
Royal Mail Parcel Scam Texts: How to Spot and Avoid Them
Fake Royal Mail delivery texts can imitate parcel updates and payment requests. Learn practical checks and safer next steps if you receive one.
Fake Royal Mail delivery texts can imitate parcel updates, small redelivery fees, or address-confirmation requests. A message alone cannot prove a scam, so avoid its link and independently check any delivery through the carrier's official website or app.
What Does a Royal Mail Scam Text Look Like?
These messages are carefully crafted to look legitimate. They typically arrive from an unknown mobile number or a short code, and they use Royal Mail's branding, colour scheme, and official-sounding language. Common phrases include:
- "Your parcel could not be delivered. A £2.99 redelivery fee is required."
- "Your package is being held at our depot. Click to confirm your address."
- "We attempted delivery. Reschedule here: [shortened link]"
The link leads to a convincing fake Royal Mail website that asks for your name, address, and payment card details. Once entered, your information is harvested and your card may be charged far more than the stated fee.
How to Tell if a Royal Mail Text is Real
Do not use a link in an unexpected delivery text to make a payment or enter details. If you are expecting a parcel, go independently to the carrier's official website or app and enter your tracking number there.
| Genuine Royal Mail | Scam Text |
|---|---|
| Uses your name | Generic greeting ("Dear Customer") |
| Links to royalmail.com | Links to a lookalike domain (e.g. royal-mail-uk.com) |
| Never asks for card details by text | Requests payment via link |
| Provides a real tracking number | No tracking number, or a fake one |
What to Do If You Receive One
Do not click the link. Forward the text to 7726, the UK's free spam-reporting service. If you believe you have been defrauded, report it through Report Fraud; you can also report a suspicious website through the official phishing routes listed below.
What to Do If You Already Clicked
If you entered card details, contact your bank immediately and follow its advice. Change any passwords you may have entered and report the incident through Report Fraud.
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