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According toresearch published by NatWest, a UK bank, fake delivery alerts are the fastest-growing con of 2024.
The study combines industry data with feedback from a survey of 2,000 British adults.
Some examples of the kinds of scam ‘missed parcel’ SMS text messages you might see this holiday season (credit: National Cyber Security Centre).
These messages, delivered to your mobile phone by SMS, claim to be from a courier service.
They state that a package delivery has been attempted and needs to be rescheduled.
They then prompt the recipient to click a link.
Some examples of the kinds of scam ‘missed parcel’ SMS text messages you might see this holiday season (credit: National Cyber Security Centre).
This malicious URL leads to a phishing website designed to look legitimate.
It will ask for personal details and usually request a fee payment to arrange the fictitious redelivery.
Companies commonly impersonated in examples weve seen include FedEx, DHL and UPS.
Its also easier to fake an SMS alert, because it contains fewer words and doesnt include a logo.
The scheme uses tactics common to mostphishing scams.
As a result, recipients of the SMS may act quickly to handle the apparent issue.
This could cause them to overlook inconsistencies in the message, such as the lack of tracking number.
Be alert to tell-tale signs of a phishing scam, particularly any urgent requests for personal or financial information.
Once youve paused for thought, consider the details in the message and ask yourself a few questions.
Are you expecting a delivery?
If so, which company is handling that delivery?
If those dont match up, then youve received a fake message.
If youre uncertain about a link, dont click it.
Instead, head directly to the courier services official website and input your tracking number.
This ensures youre seeing genuine information about your package, including whether any action is required.
Most couriers offer advice about how to avoid fake delivery scams.
