Three UK Warn Customers Over Rise in Missed Parcel SMS Scams

[TrueBlueTerrier]

https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2 ... scams.html

Mobile network operator Three UK has warned customers this week about an increase in fraudsters using “missed parcel” SMS (text) scam messages this summer, which are not a million miles from the fake DHL or FedEx delivery messages that tried to infect phones with malware a few years ago (and continue to do so today).

The operator states that, since January 2024, they’ve blocked over 20 million “fraudulent messages” (roughly 111,111 a day). But recent research from Citizens Advice indicated that almost half (49%) of people targeted by scammers are now a victim of malicious parcel delivery scams, with 84% of 18-24 years being targeted, usually through text or mobile messaging.

Similarly, Three UK’s network filtering and detection systems have also “identified an uptick” in criminals exploiting increased activity to deceive and defraud unsuspecting consumers during the summer period, often by exploiting an individuals desire to take advantage of online deals (e.g. holiday clothes shopping to summer sales).

The ‘missed parcel’ scam involves criminals sending a text or email informing an individual that a courier is attempting to deliver a parcel, but they need to pay a fee or rearrange collection. The message will contain a link to a website or request to download an app – this will be ‘spoofed’ to look like it belongs to a legitimate delivery company. Common features that appear in scams include:

Saying they have failed to deliver a parcel and are trying to arrange redelivery so require your personal details.
Claiming that a small fee has to be paid to release the parcel, which aims to scare consumers by stating the package will be sent back or to a depot if they don’t pay.
Including a fake tracking link that could install malware.
Mark Fitzgerald, Three’s Director of Finance & Fraud, said:

“The ‘missed parcel’ scam has been around for a while, but online shoppers are more vulnerable at this time of year with summer deals and holiday shopping. Our fraud prevention team is working hard to block fraudulent messages and advise our customers on the latest watchouts so they can rest stay alert.

If you’re expecting a delivery and you receive a ‘missed parcel’ message, do not click on any text links you receive. Use official apps or websites to track your parcel. Any texts that look suspicious, forward the message to 7726, the free spam-reporting service.”

The security notice is timed to coincide with a new call from a coalition of businesses, including Three UK and Which? (among others), which are attempting to encourage the Government to make tackling fraud a national priority.

How can you spot a delivery scam text?

Delivery scam texts often contain information about failed delivery attempts and include fake tracking links. Key red flags to look out for are:

Random phone numbers
Poorly written English
Texts that rush you to act
A lack of real information about your parcel
A web link that contains additional text
If customers are expecting a delivery and receive a ‘missed parcel’ message:

Do not click the link and never give out personal bank details
Use the official websites of delivery companies to track your parcel
Forward the message to 7726, a free spam-reporting service provided by phone operators
Delete the message
For more information on how to stay safe from parcel delivery fraud and other online scams, visit Three’s website at three.co.uk/privacy-safety/report-a-problem
If customers are expecting a parcel, they can track its status by using the official website of the delivery companies:

DHL Track a Parcel https://track.dhlparcel.co.uk/
DPD Track It https://www.dpd.co.uk/service/
Evri Track Your Parcel https://www.evri.com/track-a-parcel
FedEx Tracking https://www.fedex.com/en-gb/tracking.html
Royal Mail Track your item https://www.royalmail.com/track-your-item
UPS Track https://www.ups.com/track?loc=en_GB&requester=ST/
Yodel Track your parcel https://www.yodel.co.uk/track