Courier / Parcel Scams in the United Kingdom

A UK courier scam texts that your parcel needs a small "redelivery" or "customs" fee paid through a link. Couriers do not collect fees by random SMS links — the page harvests your card details. Do not pay; verify on the official courier site and forward the text to 7726.

Got a message like this? Check the screenshot →

How the scam works

You get a text that a parcel is held pending a small fee.
The link leads to a fake card-payment page.
The small fee is bait; the real goal is your card details for larger fraud.

Red flags

A small "redelivery/customs fee" via a link
Look-alike courier domain or shortener
Urgency ("parcel returned in 48 hours")
Unexpected parcel

Example message

Royal Mail: your parcel is awaiting a £1.99 redelivery fee. Pay now to reschedule: http://royalmail-redelivery.top

What to do

Track parcels only on the official courier site.
Never pay courier fees via SMS links.
Forward scam texts to 7726.
Report to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040).

FAQ

Does Royal Mail text for redelivery fees?

Royal Mail uses a grey "Fee to pay" card, not random SMS links demanding card details.

Where do I report a courier scam in the UK?

Forward the text to 7726 and report at actionfraud.police.uk.

Related scams & tools

Report it — United Kingdom

Forward scam texts to 7726. Banks never ask you to move money to a "safe account".

Action Fraud (NFIB): Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040

www.actionfraud.police.uk

This is general safety information, not legal or financial advice. If you have lost money or shared sensitive details, contact your bank and your national fraud agency immediately.