A small redelivery fee
The message may ask for a small payment to release or rearrange a parcel. A small amount can make the request feel harmless.
What to doDelivery text scam
Royal Mail redelivery scam text: what to check before you click
Fake Royal Mail redelivery texts often claim you missed a parcel, need to pay a small fee, or have an item being held. Before tapping a link, check the message safely using an official route.
UK-focused guidance Plain English 7726 reporting route No scare tactics
Quick answer
If you receive a Royal Mail redelivery text asking you to click a link, pay a small fee, or resolve an item retention notice, do not use the link in the message. Check any parcel through the official Royal Mail website, app or tracking route instead. Suspicious texts can be forwarded to 7726 for free.
- 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 link to a fake website
The link may look official at first glance but lead to a copycat page designed to collect card details.
Check safelyPressure to act quickly
The message may suggest the parcel will be returned, delayed or cancelled unless you act now.
Pause firstAn item retention message
Some scam texts use phrases such as item retention, held parcel or failed delivery to make the message feel official.
Check the FAQHow 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 message.
Check the tracking number
If you have a real tracking number from the seller, use it 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 follow-up fraud.
What to do next
What you do next depends on whether you only received the message, clicked the link, or entered details.
1
If you only received the text
Do not click the link. Check the parcel through the official delivery company website, app or seller tracking email.
2
If you clicked the link
Close the page. Do not enter more information. Think about whether you typed in any personal, password or payment details.
3
If you entered card details
Contact your bank using your banking app, the number on your card, or the bank's official website. Tell them you entered details on a suspicious delivery page.
4
If you entered a password
Change that password from the real website or app. If you use the same password elsewhere, change it there too.
5
Forward the text to 7726
In the UK, you can forward suspicious texts to 7726 for free. This helps mobile networks investigate scam messages.
6
Watch for follow-up scams
Be alert for further texts, emails or calls claiming to be about the delivery, refund, failed payment or account security.
Important: Cleverways is educational guidance, not official reporting advice. If money has left your account or your bank details may be at risk, contact your bank promptly using a trusted route.
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 guidanceRoyal Mail scam text FAQs
How can I tell if a Royal Mail redelivery text is fake?
Be cautious if the message asks you to click a link, pay a small fee, enter card details or act urgently. Check through the official Royal Mail website, app or tracking route rather than using the text link.
What should I do if I clicked a fake delivery text?
Close the page and do not enter more details. If you typed in card, password or personal information, take the relevant steps to secure your account or contact your bank.
Where do I report a scam delivery text in the UK?
You can forward suspicious texts to 7726 for free. Suspicious emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk. If fraud has happened, use the UK fraud reporting route.
Should I pay a redelivery fee from a text message?
Do not pay through a link in a suspicious text. If you are expecting a parcel, check through the official delivery company website, app or seller tracking information.
What does an item retention Royal Mail text mean?
Be careful with any text saying an item is being retained, held or waiting for redelivery. Do not use the link in the message. Check the parcel through the official Royal Mail website, app or tracking route instead.
Want 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.
Last reviewed: June 2026. Cleverways provides practical educational guidance and signposts trusted UK routes.