Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning over a new “clever” Post Office scam doing the rounds.
The MoneySavingExpert founder explained how victims are being sent a text message urging them to reschedule delivery of a parcel.
It is a variation of a similar Royal Mail scam that was circulating earlier this year, that instructed people to pay £1.99 to receive a package.
Martin said the new scam is “less obvious” as it doesn’t tell you about any payment due until you click through on a link.
In a warning to his followers on Twitter, he said: “Beware. Just had a clever version of the 'pay £1.99 for Post Office Parcel delivery' scam text, aiming to steal bank info.
Have you fallen victim to this new scam? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk
“The 'fee' isn't mentioned in the text, it talks about ‘delays in transit’ and offers ‘a date to reschedule’.
“It's only when you click thru it mentions a fee.” (sic)
He added: “It's clever because it's morphed and is now less obvious.”
Twitter user KatieLDN noted she had received the same scam text, and almost got caught out by it.
She wrote: “I got this - off my guard at the end of a long day at work.
“Thankfully clocked it before I’d put card details in, but I immediately got a second scam text pretending to be from my bank.
“So even if you realise, they’ve got a plan to try and scam you a second time as you panic!”
The text message is designed to catch those out who are genuinely waiting for a Post Office delivery.
The message usually has some variation of the following:
“Your parcel has been returned to your local branch. Please visit (scam website) to reschedule delivery.”
“We tried to provide your item to you today however received no answer. To book a new date please visit (scam website).”
If you have received a text similar to the above, delete it and don't click on the link.
The website links often look genuine and will take victims to a convincing Post Office website clone.
Once on the website, the victims will be asked to enter personal information such as full name, delivery address, email address, date of birth and mobile number.
All of this information can be used to commit identity fraud. Some people will also use a combination of this information to form passwords.
Anyone who receives a scam or suspicious text can report it to 7726.
For scam emails, forward them to report@phishing.gov.uk.
