ScamGuard+ guide

Fake Delivery Messages: How to Check Them Safely

How to handle delivery-fee and missed-parcel messages without handing payment details to a fake site.

How to handle delivery-fee and missed-parcel messages without handing payment details to a fake site.

Use the steps below to slow the situation down, separate the claim from the pressure around it and keep a clearer record of what you checked and what you decided to do next.

Start with the parcel claim

Ask whether you are actually expecting a parcel and whether the named courier matches anything you recognise.

Treat small payment requests seriously

A tiny redelivery fee can be used to collect card and personal information. The amount being small does not make the request safe.

Check through the courier independently

Use an official app, a tracking link you already received from a genuine retailer, or a website you locate independently.

Do not reuse details from the suspicious message

Avoid calling the number or following the link in the message simply to confirm whether the message is real.

Practical checklist

Quick checklist

  • Start with the parcel claim
  • Treat small payment requests seriously
  • Check through the courier independently
  • Do not reuse details from the suspicious message