Beware! Royal Mail Text Scam Tricks Victims Into Giving Away Bank Details in Minutes
Fraud experts are sounding the alarm over a dangerously convincing Royal Mail text scam that can unlock your bank account in a flash.
The Scam That Hooks You Fast
The con starts with a fake text claiming a parcel delivery has failed. It pushes you to reschedule or pay a tiny fee — usually around £1.99 or £2.99. But the link? It leads to a bogus Royal Mail website designed to swipe your personal and banking info.
Once duped into entering their details, victims often get a follow-up call from fraudsters posing as their bank. They warn the victim’s account has been compromised and demand money be transferred to a so-called “safe account” — a classic bank transfer scam.
“This is where people lose thousands,” warns fraud expert Hampson. “It’s sophisticated and cruel.”
This scam is no one-off. It keeps popping up around lockdowns and busy shopping periods like Black Friday, Christmas, and summer sales.
“Scammers recycle what works,” Hampson adds. “They tweak details but stick to the same game: official-looking logos, urgent language, and emotional pressure.”
Spot the Scam and Stay Safe
CEL Solicitors reports a surge in delivery text scams over the last year, with victims losing anywhere from hundreds to tens of thousands of pounds.
To avoid getting caught out:
- Don’t click links in unexpected delivery texts.
- Always track parcels via the official Royal Mail website.
- Never give personal or financial info through links sent by text.
- Forward suspicious texts to 7726 – a free number used by networks to investigate scams.
“Scammers feed on panic and haste,” says Hampson. “If something feels off, slow down, double-check, and trust your gut.”
Verify Before You Panic
- Royal Mail never asks for payments or personal info via text.
- Be wary of messages with links and always check web addresses separately.
- Visit royalmail.com to report scams and stay updated on alerts.
