Scammers are pretending to work for delivery companies - what to look out for

By Sarah Wilson
Published 16th Dec 2020, 12:41 BST
Updated 16th Dec 2020, 12:41 BST

Online shoppers are being warned of scams in which criminals pretend to be from parcel delivery companies in the run-up to Christmas.

Online shopping has boomed this year due to various coronavirus restrictions, and many households will now be receiving parcels.

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Unfortunately, some criminals have seen an opportunity in the increased propensity of deliveries, and finance industry trade association, UK Finance, is now warning shoppers to be wary of phishing emails and calls attempting to steal private details.

What to watch out for

UK Finance has said that the malicious emails will often involve the sender pretending to be from well known delivery companies, saying that they have been unable to deliver parcels to the recipient's address.

These messages may then ask the receiver to pay a fee or provide further details to rearrange delivery. These details will then be used to attempt to steal money from you.

Similar calls or texts may also be used by scammers. Fake delivery notes could even be posted through your letter box.

Again, these messages will ask for payment or further information which could later be used to defraud you. These details include personal and financial information such as bank details, address or date of birth.