Phishing scams are internationally recognised and are run by faceless syndicates – making it difficult to catch them. 

Here are some of the more common scams in the UK:

Phishing scams and branding theft: 

These emails or text messages look like they’re from a legitimate company, such as your bank or government agency. However, the criminals steal the branding and trick their victims into clicking on a link to provide their personal information, such as their password or bank card details. The fraudsters usually target their branding theft at multi-national couriers and major corporate companies. 

Cash for job scams: 

These ads offer you a job that requires you to pay money upfront. For example, you may be asked to pay for training materials or a uniform. The ads are from criminals trying to scam people out of their money. Do not pay funds; if there is any doubt, research. 

Missed delivery scams: 

These emails or text messages claim that you missed a delivery and ask you to click a link to reschedule it. When you click the link, you’re taken to a fake website asking for your personal information. Don’t click on any links in these messages; never provide personal information to someone you don’t know.

Parcel insurance scams:

These scammers contact online sellers and opt to pay for the item by sending cash in an envelope. The scammers will then ask the seller to pay for an “insurance cost” to the courier company. The phishing site will steal the seller’s debit or credit card information.

Text or Email Scam

 These messages claim that you must make a small payment for your package to be delivered. At one stage, the Royal Mail issued several warnings about this con. These messages can be challenging to tell apart from an authentic text or email. The scam results in the buyer entering their card details into a fraudulent – but authentic-looking – website.