We Tried to Deliver Your Parcel: Is It a Scam? What UK Households Need to Know

If you’ve received a text saying:

“We tried to deliver your parcel today but there was no answer.”

Pause.

This is one of the most common parcel delivery scams in the UK right now. And it catches people because it feels believable.

Most of us order online regularly. I’ve had weeks where I genuinely couldn’t remember what was due to arrive or when. That tiny moment of doubt — “Did I miss something?” — is exactly what scammers rely on.

Let’s break down how the parcel delivery scam works, what happens if you click the link, and what your rights are in 2026 if money leaves your account.

What is the parcel delivery scam?

The parcel delivery scam is a phishing text message that pretends to be from a legitimate courier.

It usually claims:

• You missed a delivery
• You need to pay a small redelivery fee (often £1.99–£2.99)
• You must act quickly

The message often pretends to be from well-known UK companies such as:

• Royal Mail
• Evri
• DPD

The link takes you to a fake website designed to look almost identical to the real thing.

You’re asked to enter your name, address and card details.

It looks professional. That’s deliberate.

Do delivery companies send real text messages?

Yes — and this is why the scam works.

Royal Mail, Evri and DPD do send legitimate tracking updates by text.

The difference is:

• They don’t randomly demand small redelivery fees via suspicious links
• They don’t threaten immediate cancellation
• They don’t ask for full banking login details

If you’re unsure, go directly to the courier’s official website yourself and enter your tracking number. Never click the link in the text.

How the “We Tried to Deliver Your Parcel” scam works

Here’s how it usually unfolds.

Step 1 – The text

You receive a message claiming delivery failed. It includes a link and a small fee.

The amount is low on purpose. £2.99 doesn’t trigger panic — it lowers suspicion.

Step 2 – The fake website

The site mirrors official branding. It asks for:

• Address confirmation
• Card details
• Sometimes online banking information

Step 3 – Card details captured

Even if they only take £2.99 initially, your card details may now be compromised.

Some scammers test with small transactions first. Others move quickly to larger withdrawals.

Step 4 – The escalation (APP scam stage)

In more serious cases, victims later receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from their bank.

They warn of suspicious activity.

Because you recently entered your details on a parcel site, this suddenly feels real.

You may then be told to “move your money to a safe account”.

This is known as an Authorised Push Payment (APP) scam — where you transfer money yourself under false instructions.

Funds are often moved rapidly through multiple accounts before disappearing.

What is an APP scam?

An APP scam happens when criminals manipulate you into sending money yourself.

Unlike standard card fraud, you technically authorised the transfer — even though you were deceived.

That used to make refunds difficult.

In 2026, the situation is much stronger for UK consumers.

Can you get your money back in 2026?

In many cases, yes — but speed is critical.

If it was card fraud

If scammers took money using your card details, you’re generally protected.

Credit cards may fall under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
Debit cards are usually covered by chargeback rules.

Banks typically refund unauthorised transactions unless they can prove you were “grossly negligent”.

If it was an APP scam

Under mandatory reimbursement rules introduced by the Payment Systems Regulator, UK banks must now reimburse most APP scam victims.

Reimbursement is typically processed within five business days.

However, you must meet the “Consumer Standard of Caution”, meaning:

• You didn’t ignore clear fraud warnings in your banking app
• You didn’t knowingly send money after being told it was likely a scam
• You acted reasonably

If you were manipulated but behaved sensibly, your chances of reimbursement are far better than they were a few years ago.

Why acting fast still matters

Even with stronger protections:

• Report it immediately
• Ask your bank to freeze compromised cards
• Monitor transactions
• Don’t wait

The sooner fraud teams intervene, the higher the chance of stopping onward transfers.

The 159 rule

If you receive a follow-up call from someone claiming to be from your bank, hang up.

Then dial 159.

159 is a secure UK-wide number that connects you directly to your bank’s fraud department. It prevents scammers from keeping the line open and pretending to transfer you.

If someone pressures you not to hang up, that’s a major red flag.

How to report a parcel delivery scam

If you receive the text:

• Forward it to 7726 (free reporting to your mobile network)
• Report it to Action Fraud
• Contact your bank if you entered details

Reporting helps block future scam attempts.

How to protect yourself

Here’s what I personally do:

• I never click delivery links in text messages
• I track parcels via retailer apps directly
• I enable instant banking notifications
• I slow down if I feel rushed

Scams rely on urgency.

Take that away, and most of them fall apart.

Final thought

Parcel delivery scams don’t work because people are careless.

They work because they’re believable.

Online shopping is normal. Delivery texts are normal. That small moment of uncertainty is what scammers exploit.

If you receive one, don’t rush. Don’t click. Go directly to the official website instead.

Protecting your money is just as important as saving it.

Further reading

On a clearly unrelated note…

Take a look at companies that use Evri to send their parcels.

Parcel Delivery Scam UK: FAQs