Watch out for scam texts pretending to be from delivery companies like EVRi.
Over past few months, fraudsters have been sending texts pretending to be from EVRi - formerly known as Hermes - which tell the recipient they need to rearrange a delivery for a package.
The messages contain links to pages that tell the recipient they need to download a fake app or anti-virus software containing spyware that can compromise bank details, passwords or any information on a smartphone.
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A recent example sent to phones appears to come from a UK mobile phone number and reads: "EVRi: You missed your delivery on Monday. To reschedule, please visit: [link] to select a new delivery slot for your item."
If you get a similar message do not click on the link.
Why are there scam texts claiming to be from delivery companies like EVRi
By sending the texts, the scammers hope to trick people into thinking they have a parcel coming that they need to rearrange delivery for, so they will click on the link. The linked web page seeks to trick the recipient into downloading spyware-ridden software that will compromise their data and financial security.
The National Cyber Security Centre says : "Cyber criminals are tricking UK citizens into downloading a malicious app by sending convincing-looking 'missed parcel' text messages. The messages contain links to a page that either tells you to download a tracking app for the parcel delivery, or that your phone is infected with FluBot and you should download anti-FluBot software."
It adds: "Spyware is malicious software that secretly monitors your activity. Once installed on your device it can access your sensitive information such passwords, banking details and contacts."
I'm expecting a delivery, how do I tell if it's a scam or if the message is really from EVRi?
If you receive a "missed parcel" message, the National Cyber Security Centre's advice is do not click on the link.
Instead, go to the official website of the delivery company that is bringing your parcel. In EVRi's case, that is here: https://www.evri.com/track-a-parcel
EVRi says it does contact some customers by texts with messages that can include tracking links. But there are checks you can make to work out if the message is real. If in doubt, head to EVRi's official site and track any deliveries you have due there.
EVRi's website information on how it contacts customers reads: "We may contact customers by email or text and ask for information in relation to an ongoing claim.
"Generally, we will contact you by email or SMS to advise where your parcel is in our delivery process., At times, this may include a tracking link.
"Our emails will typically be from @evri.com, @hermes-europe.co.uk or @myhermes.co.uk"
EVRi says SMS text messages it sends to customers :
- Will not show the sender name as a mobile phone number
- Will never ask you for payment
- Will never include a link except for a tracking link called https://evri.link/...... (Please be aware even if the link does show as https:/evri.link/…… we cannot guarantee this is genuine. If you are unsure do not click a link and do not enter any personal details)
You can alert your phone network's operator to suspicious texts by forwarding them to 7726 for free. You can alert EVRi to scam messages by emailing phishing@evri.com
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