Parcel scams are sadly rife, and they can be particularly dangerous for those who come into contact with them. The bank shared the story of one woman who was targeted in this way, and ended up having her bank account “cleared out”.
She said: “I got a text telling me I owed a postage fee. I thought it could be about the trainers I just ordered online. I really wanted those trainers, so I just clicked on the link without thinking.
“The website looked genuine and asked for my personal details. That was that, or so I thought.”
However, a month later, the woman received a call out of the blue claiming to be from her bank’s fraud team.
The caller suggested her account had been compromised, but that he could help secure it if she logged on to online banking.
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“I couldn’t wait to get my new trainers. But I didn’t stop to think or challenge the message, so I couldn’t protect my money.”
Sadly, parcel or delivery scams could be rife at this time of year, with many heading online to order items in festive sales.
Scammers are likely to capitalise on people waiting for real parcels and deliveries in the hopes of making cash from their nefarious actions.
As a result, it is vital for Britons to stay alert, especially if they are awaiting a parcel themselves.
There are key warning signs a scam might be taking place and it is important for these alerts to be heeded at all costs.
Firstly, scam texts often contain spelling errors which could be a huge sign a message is not legitimate.
Britons are urged never to click on messages contained within text messages, especially if they appear from out of the blue as individuals could unknowingly download a hidden virus onto their device.
All banking and personal details should be kept private to ensure scammers cannot steal one’s bank account details or identity.
Those who get tricked into sharing their details might not be scammed straight away, as scammers could lie in wait to target people later down the line.
If a person believes they have received a scam text, they should forward it to 7726 and then delete it from their device.
Britons who are victims of a scam should contact Action Fraud or Police Scotland for the matter to be investigated further.