Police issue warning about Royal Mail scam
Police in Shropshire have warned people to be on their guard as criminals are pretending to be from the Royal Mail to scam victims.
West Mercia Police said the scam hopes to lead people to a fraudulent website by claiming they have unpaid shipping fees.
Often sent as a text, the message looks like it comes from Royal Mail.
It says: "Your package has a £2 shipping fee, to pay this now click here. Package will be returned to sender if unpaid."
A statement from West Mercia Police said: "Beware of this #scam text claiming to be from the Royal Mail claiming your package has a £2.99 unpaid shipping fee....it does not and the link will take you to a criminal and fraudulent front."
Police advised people to visit Get Safe Online for advice surrounding this scam.
A spokesperson from Get Safe Online said: "The latest variation is a rash of texts purporting to come from Royal Mail.
"Cybersecurity company Check Point claims that March was the worst month for attacks, with Royal Mail-related cyber attacks reaching an average of 150 a week, a 645 per cent increase over the previous two months.
"Typically, the fake communications advise you that a parcel is due to be delivered, but there’s an additional fee which needs to be paid for before delivery can take place. The sender name or email address will normally include ‘Royal Mail’ and in the case of emails, feature the Royal Mail logo.
"If Royal Mail can’t deliver a package for any reason, they’ll put a grey card through your door, not send you an email or text."
