Beware! Royal Mail Scam Texts and Emails Seek To Steal Money
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
Scammers are aggressively targeting unsuspecting victims with Royal Mail text message and email scams. These sophisticated scams aim to trick people into giving away personal information and bank details. Many have fallen victim after receiving convincing texts or emails that appear to be from Royal Mail.
This article will provide an in-depth overview of how these Royal Mail scams operate, how to identify them, and most importantly, how to protect yourself from falling for them. With online shopping and package deliveries surging in popularity, it’s crucial to be aware of these delivery scams.
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Overview of the Royal Mail Text and Email Scam
The Royal Mail text and email scam involves messages that claim there is an issue with a package delivery. The messages include convincing Royal Mail branding and often have parcel numbers or tracking IDs to add legitimacy.
The texts and emails state various reasons for the “delivery problem” such as:
Additional customs charges need to be paid
The parcel is on hold
Delivery address confirmation is required
A redelivery fee must be paid
Whatever the supposed issue, the scammers pose as Royal Mail and instruct the victim to click on a link or call a phone number to resolve it. Their ultimate goals are to steal money, harvest personal information, or infect devices with malware.
This scam has skyrocketed during the Covid-19 pandemic as more people shop online and anxiously await parcel deliveries. Victims are often eagerly expecting a package and don’t suspect the notifications are fake.
The sophistication of these scams varies. Some contain spelling errors and other signs they aren’t legitimate, while others can be quite convincing. The scammers put effort into replicating Royal Mail fonts, colors, and branding.
The U.K. Royal Mail has received numerous complaints about these text and email scams. They frequently warn customers on their website and social channels to be aware of these malicious messages that fraudulently claim to be from Royal Mail.
Key things to know about the scam:
Uses real Royal Mail branding: The scam messages closely mimic the look of legitimate Royal Mail messages. This tricks many recipients.
Makes urgent claims: The texts and emails often say immediate action is required or a penalty will be assessed. This pressures victims to click without thinking.
Directs victims to fake sites: The links go to convincing but fraudulent Royal Mail lookalike sites where victims enter personal info or bank details.
May include parcel numbers: Adding fake parcel IDs makes the messages more credible and personalized.
Often originates from mobile numbers: The texts come from ever-changing mobile numbers that are hard to trace. Emails also use throwaway accounts.
Seeks personal info and money: Whether through fake sites or phone calls, the scammers ultimately want your private data, bank logins, and/or direct payments.
Prevalent after online shopping: Victims expect deliveries after online purchases, so they’re less likely to suspect delivery notifications are fake.
This scam has become widespread in the U.K. as more citizens fall for it. But awareness can stop people from being deceived and protect their personal data.
How the Royal Mail Text and Email Scam Works
Royal Mail imposter scams operate on multiple fronts through both text messages and emails. Here are the step-by-step specifics on how the scammers carry out both forms of this scam:
Royal Mail Text Message Scam
A text is sent from a mobile number that disguises itself as an official Royal Mail message. The number is often randomly generated to avoid blocking.
The message claims there is an issue with a package delivery, using urgent language and official Royal Mail branding. Some variant of needing payment, address confirmation, customs fees, or redelivery is stated.
A link is included to supposedly resolve the delivery problem. This links to a fake Royal Mail website that impersonates the look and web address of the real Royal Mail site.
On the fraudulent Royal Mail site, victims are prompted to enter personal information like name, address, and contact details. In some cases, they are redirected to another fake site and asked to login or provide bank account information.
The scammers now have the victim’s personal information, which can be used or sold for identity theft. If bank details are provided, the account can be drained. And malware may also be downloaded onto the device.
With the sensitive details acquired, the scammers disappear and are virtually impossible to trace since they used an anonymous texting service and fake sites. The victim’s information and money are now in the hands of criminals.
Royal Mail Email Scam
An email is sent to recipients that convincingly spoofs the RoyalMail.com address and branding in the message. The From address is a fake but made to look real.
The email claims the recipient has a pending package delivery, but there is an issue that must be resolved. Just like the text scam, payment for customs or delivery fees is often cited as well as address confirmation.
A link within the email leads to an illegitimate Royal Mail website that harvests personal information when entered by victims. In other cases, it downloads malware onto the victim’s device.
The scam email directs users to enter bank account information under the guise of paying fees. This allows immediate access to financial accounts.
In addition to bank theft and malware installation, the scammers obtain personal data like name, email, address, and phone number which aids identity theft.
As with the text scam, the criminals have now acquired sensitive information through the fake Royal Mail emails and sites. The ephemeral email addresses used make the scammers difficult to trace.
Red Flags of the Scam:
Spelling and grammar errors
Threatening urgent language
Requests for financial information
Links to sites with odd URLs or domain names
Requests to instal software on your device
Phone numbers from outside the U.K.
How to Spot Royal Mail Scam Texts and Emails
Royal Mail imposters use clever tricks, but there are ways to identify the fraudulent texts and emails:
Check the Sender
Closely examine the sender’s phone number for texts and the email address for emails. Scammers often use numbers outside the UK or addresses that mimic Royal Mail’s.
Look for Odd Links
Fake sites use misleading URLs. Inspect links for odd domain names that don’t match the real Royal Mail. Hover to preview addresses.
Watch for Poor Spelling and Grammar
Scam messages often contain typos, grammar mistakes and broken English. Legitimate Royal Mail communications won’t have these errors.
Verify Unexpected Requests
Step back if a text or email out of the blue asks for personal details or payment. Especially for a delivery you don’t recall.
Analyze Urgency Claims
Scammers pressure victims to act fast to avoid penalties. But Royal Mail will never threaten you via text or email blasts.
Check for Missing Details
If a text or email lacks key details like your full address, specific parcel details, order references etc., it could be a scam.
When in Doubt, Contact Royal Mail
If something seems off, forward scam emails to phishing@royalmail.com or contact Royal Mail directly to verify legitimacy.
Trust your instincts. Take time to cautiously examine any Royal Mail communications and watch for these telltale scam signs. Don’t let scammers rush you into providing valuable personal information.
What to Do if You Have Fallen Victim to the Scam
If you suspect you have been targeted or already fallen victim to a Royal Mail text or email scam, take the following recommended steps:
1. Contact your bank.
If any financial information was shared, immediately reach out to your bank and warn them what happened. They can monitor for fraudulent activity and potentially freeze accounts. The quicker you notify them, the less likely and less severe the damages.
2. Change any compromised credentials.
Whether entering details on fake sites or downloading malware, the scammers may now have login information for critical accounts like email, social media, and financial platforms. Rapidly change your passwords for protection.
3. Scan devices for malware.
If you clicked any links or attachments, scan all devices involved for viruses and malware using quality antivirus software like Malwarebytes. Quarantine or delete anything suspicious.
4. Place fraud alert on your credit.
Contact all three major credit bureaus to declare fraud alerts on your credit file. This warns lenders to scrutinize any new activity and loan applications. Include information on the identity theft you experienced.
5. Monitor accounts and credit reports.
Carefully monitor financial accounts, credit reports, and online logins in the months following identity theft or scam victimization. Ongoing diligence helps spot fraudulent activity.
6. Report the scam.
Notify the real Royal Mail and file reports about both the text message and email scams via their consumer complaint process. Contact the Citizen’s Advice Bureau for guidance.
7. Document details as evidence.
Keep records like screen shots of scam texts, emails, and sites as evidence for claims and investigations. Note all relevant dates, numbers, correspondence, and losses.
8. Reset devices to factory settings if severe infection.
For serious malware attacks, the most thorough solution may be completely wiping the storage on phones, laptops, and other infected devices and resetting to factory settings. This eliminates embedded malware.
9. Seek additional assistance if identity theft occurred.
Contact the national ActionFraud service as well as the Identity Theft Resource Center forextended help recovering from fraud using your stolen information. They can guide next steps.
Falling for the Royal Mail delivery scam can have wide-ranging repercussions. But by taking quick, proactive measures, you can mitigate the damage and prevent further negative impacts going forward.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
These are fraudulent messages sent by scammers impersonating Royal Mail. They state there are issues with package deliveries in order to trick people into clicking dangerous links, calling fake numbers, and providing personal information.
How do I recognize these Royal Mail scams?
Warning signs include urgency claims, requests for financial information, spelling/grammar errors, threats of fees, links to odd URLs, and senders from outside the U.K. Verify legitimacy directly with Royal Mail if uncertain.
What is the goal of these scams?
The scammers aim to steal identities, drain bank accounts, and install malware using the fake texts and emails. By posing as Royal Mail, they seek sensitive personal and financial data.
What should I do if I get a suspicious text or email?
Do not click any links, call any phone numbers, enter information, or make payments. Forward scam emails to phishing@royalmail.com. Report text scams to your mobile provider.
What if I already clicked a link or provided information?
Immediately contact your bank, scan devices for malware, place fraud alerts with credit bureaus, change online account passwords, monitor your credit, and report the scam.
How can I avoid falling for Royal Mail scams?
Carefully analyze texts and emails, look for warnings signs, contact Royal Mail with concerns, avoid opening attachments or links, and never provide info or payments to unverified sources.
How prevalent are these Royal Mail scams?
These scams have mushroomed along with online shopping. With more deliveries, scammers have increasingly impersonated Royal Mail for identity theft and financial theft.
Who is responsible for these scams?
Individual scammers and international cybercrime rings are behind the scam texts and emails. They operate anonymously and are difficult to trace, often from overseas.
What are the risks if I provide my information?
Identity theft, drained bank accounts, credit damage, and malware infections. Scammers can heavily exploit personal info, bank details, and account access provided.
Can Royal Mail help if I’ve been scammed?
Unfortunately Royal Mail has no liability, but will provide support through contacting authorities and tracking scam trends. Individual investigation and claims are required.
How can I protect myself from Royal Mail scams?
Stay vigilant examining texts and emails, avoid opening links or attachments, contact Royal Mail with concerns, and never give out financial or personal data to unverified sources. Caution is key.
Conclusion
Royal Mail imposter text messages and emails are an invasive scam tactic that all consumers should beware. These fraudulent notifications about package deliveries fool unknowing victims into surrendering personal data and bank details.
By understanding how these scams work, recognizing red flags, and acting promptly if victimized, people can equip themselves against these malicious cybercrimes. The insights in this article can help individuals avoid the anguish of identity theft and financial loss from this deceitful scam.
Stay vigilant about texts and emails that claim to be from Royal Mail. Verify legitimacy before clicking links or calling numbers. If unsure, contact Royal Mail directly for confirmation. Follow smart cyber security habits with links, personal info, downloads, and deliveries. And never provide sensitive data to unofficial sources.
With increased scam awareness and caution, these frauds can be reduced and ultimately managed. But it requires an informed public that critically analyzes digital communications and understands this threat. Heed the warnings, advice, and information within this article to protect yourself and your finances from Royal Mail delivery scams.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Meet Thomas Orsolya
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
