Delivery text scam
Royal Mail redelivery scam: how to check before you click
Fake delivery texts often claim you missed a parcel or need to pay a small redelivery fee. The aim is to make you click quickly before checking whether the message is genuine.
Do these first
Do not tap the link in a suspicious delivery text. If you are expecting a parcel, check through the official app, website or tracking route instead.
- Do not click the link in the text.
- Do not enter card details from a text message link.
- Check tracking through the official delivery company website or app.
- Forward suspicious texts to 7726 for free.
- If you entered bank or card details, contact your bank using a trusted route.
Common warning signs
Fake delivery texts often use small fees, missed parcels and urgency to make the message feel believable.
A small redelivery fee
The message may ask for a small payment to release or rearrange a parcel.
What to doA link to a fake website
The link may look official at first glance but lead to a copycat page.
Check safelyPressure to act quickly
The message may suggest the parcel will be returned or delayed unless you act now.
Pause firstHow to check a delivery message safely
The safest route is to avoid the text link and check from somewhere you trust.
Use the official website or app
Open the delivery company website or app yourself. Do not use the link in the text.
Check the tracking number
If you have a real tracking number from the seller, use that through the official route.
Look for odd wording or pressure
Scam messages often use vague wording, urgency or unusual payment instructions.
Think before entering card details
A small payment request can be used to collect card details or lead to further fraud.
Step-by-step guidance
What you do next depends on whether you only received the message, clicked the link, or entered details.
Do not click the message link
If you have not clicked yet, leave the message alone and check the parcel through an official route.
Forward the text to 7726
In the UK, you can forward suspicious texts to 7726 for free. This helps mobile networks investigate scam messages.
If you clicked, close the page
Do not enter more details. Close the page and think about whether you typed anything in.
If you entered card details, contact your bank
Use your banking app, the number on your card, or the bank’s official website. Tell them you entered details on a suspicious delivery page.
Change passwords if you used them
If the fake page asked you to create an account or enter a password, change that password from the real website or app.
Watch for follow-up scams
Be alert for further texts, emails or calls claiming to be about the delivery, refund or payment.
If you already entered details
Choose the closest situation and take the next practical step.
I entered card details
Contact your bank using a trusted route and monitor account activity.
Read the money guidanceI entered a password
Change the password from the official website or app and secure affected accounts.
Read the account guidanceI clicked the link
Close the page, check what happened and secure anything that may be at risk.
Read the link guidanceWant printable scam-safety checklists at home?
The UK Scam Safety Toolkit gives you practical checklists and action sheets to keep at home, including steps for suspicious messages, bank calls, online shopping scams and family conversations.
Keep the 10-second scam check nearby
The safest step is often a pause. Download the free Cleverways guide and keep a simple check nearby for suspicious texts, calls and payment requests.