Royal Mail warns against £2.99 phishing scam
Postal service alerts customers about fraudulent package fee texts
1Phishing scam warning
Royal Mail has issued an urgent warning about a £2.99 phishing scam targeting customers. Fraudsters send texts claiming a package delivery fee is due, with links to fake websites designed to steal personal and financial information. The postal service emphasizes these messages are fraudulent and should be ignored. This scam becomes particularly prevalent during peak periods like Christmas when package volumes increase.
2How the scam operates
Scammers impersonate Royal Mail through text messages claiming a £2.99 shipping fee is required to release a package. The messages contain links to sophisticated fake websites that mimic Royal Mail's official site. These fraudulent communications often appear legitimate, using official branding to trick recipients. Once personal or banking details are entered, criminals can drain accounts or steal identities.
3Official reporting channels
Royal Mail directs customers to report suspicious communications to [email protected]. For text messages, recipients should send screenshots to this address without clicking any links. Suspicious calls or websites should be reported with the phone number or URL included in the email. The company stresses the importance of never interacting with potentially fraudulent messages.
4National reporting system
The National Cyber Security Centre operates the 7726 service for reporting suspicious texts. Forwarding messages to this number allows phone providers to investigate and block malicious senders. As of July 2026, this service has removed 40,900 scams across 93,300 URLs. The number 7726 spells 'SPAM' on telephone keypads, making it easy to remember.
5Additional reporting options
For those who may have fallen victim, different reporting channels exist across the UK. England, Wales and Northern Ireland residents should contact Action Fraud, while Scotland residents report to Police Scotland. The NCSC also accepts scam reports at [email protected]. These coordinated efforts help authorities track and dismantle fraud networks.
6Protective measures
Royal Mail advises customers to never click links in unsolicited messages, even if they appear legitimate. The company confirms it never requests payments via text message links. Customers should verify communications through official Royal Mail channels. Vigilance is particularly important during holiday seasons when scam attempts typically increase.
7Industry-wide collaboration
Most UK phone providers participate in the 7726 reporting scheme, demonstrating cross-industry cooperation against fraud. This system allows rapid response to emerging scam patterns. The collaboration between Royal Mail, telecom providers, and cybersecurity agencies creates multiple layers of protection for consumers against increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts.
8Growing phishing threat
The Royal Mail warning highlights the escalating sophistication of phishing scams targeting UK consumers. Fraudsters increasingly exploit trusted brands and peak delivery periods to maximize victims. This case demonstrates how public awareness campaigns combined with easy reporting mechanisms form crucial defenses against financial fraud in the digital age.
Original article: Mirror - Technology & Science — Royal Mail warns against £2.99 phishing scam