Fake delivery texts before the holidays
“Your parcel is waiting, pay the small fee.” The busiest shopping weeks are the busiest for this scam too.
Black Friday is close, everyone is waiting for a parcel, and the texts are already arriving: “Your package couldn’t be delivered. Update your address and pay 1.99 here.”
The fee is small on purpose. What they want is your card details, and sometimes the code from your bank that comes right after. With that they can add your card to their own phone wallet.
How to tell:
- Couriers don’t ask for small fees by text with a link. Customs charges come with your tracking number on the courier’s own app or site.
- Check the link’s domain, not the logo. Look-alike domains are cheap.
- Never share a code from your bank. If a text asks for it, it’s a scam. Full stop.
What to do instead: open the shop or courier app you already have, and track from there. If you already entered card details, call your bank on the number on the back of the card and block it.
Worth forwarding to your family group. They get these too.