The Growing Threat of Courier Scams
Text messaging may seem like old technology, but scammers love it. Why? Because 99% of text messages are opened, making it the perfect method for fraud.
With online shopping making up 35% of all UK retail, there’s a high chance you’re expecting a parcel at any time. Scammers take advantage of this by sending fake courier messages designed to trick you into clicking a link or downloading an app.
Let’s break down how to avoid falling victim to these scams and what to do if you’ve already clicked a fraudulent link.
🚨 How Do Courier Scams Work?
Step 1: The Fake Delivery Message Arrives
📩 You receive a text from a “courier” claiming there’s a problem with your delivery.
📌 The message might say:
- “Your package is awaiting delivery confirmation. Click here to reschedule.”
- “There is an unpaid shipping fee on your order. Please settle it now.”
🎯 Scammers rely on urgency—so you don’t have time to think before clicking.
🚫 Stop The Scammer: Don’t Click the Link!
🔴 Golden Rule: Never click on links in unexpected text messages or emails.
✅ Instead, go directly to the courier’s website and enter your tracking number.
📌 Example: If the message claims to be from DHL, visit dhl.co.uk instead of clicking the link.
What Happens If You Click?
🔹 You may be asked to enter personal or payment details.
🔹 The page may install malicious software on your device.
🔹 Your login credentials could be stolen for identity theft.
📲 Stop The Scammer: Don’t Download Unofficial Apps
Scammers sometimes trick you into downloading fake tracking apps. Once installed, these apps can:
🔹 Access your messages & contacts (spreading the scam further).
🔹 Steal your online banking details.
🔹 Gain total control of your phone.
🚨 How to Stay Safe:
✅ Only download apps from official stores (Google Play or Apple App Store).
✅ Never install an app from a link in a message.
✅ Check reviews & ratings before installing any courier-related app.
🔐 Stop The Scammer: Change Your Passwords Immediately
If you accidentally clicked a link and entered a password, change it immediately.
✔ Use a unique password for every account.
✔ Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for extra security.
✔ If you reused this password elsewhere, update those accounts too.
🏦 Stop The Scammer: Contact Your Bank
If you entered any payment information, even if you didn’t press submit, scammers may have captured your details.
🚨 What to do next:
✅ Call your bank immediately (use the number on your card, NOT from the text message).
✅ Freeze or cancel your card if necessary.
✅ Monitor your account for any suspicious activity.
📦 How to Track a Real Delivery Safely
If you’re expecting a parcel and want to track it safely, always use the courier’s official website. Below are some verified tracking links:
✅ DHL: track.dhlparcel.co.uk
✅ FedEx: fedex.com/en-gb/tracking.html
✅ Hermes: myhermes.co.uk/track
✅ Royal Mail: royalmail.com/track-your-item
✅ Yodel: yodel.co.uk/track
🚀 Bookmark these pages to avoid clicking fake links in the future.
🛡 Final Tip: Stay Alert & Think Before You Click!
Courier scams are on the rise, but you can stay ahead of the scammers by following these rules:
✅ NEVER click on links in texts or emails.
✅ ALWAYS go directly to the courier’s website.
✅ NEVER download apps from unknown sources.
✅ IMMEDIATELY change passwords if you suspect a scam.
✅ CONTACT your bank if you entered payment details.
🗣 Have you received a fake courier message? Share your experience in the comments!
📌 Need help securing your devices? Contact us today for expert security advice.