Have you recently received an email claiming to be from Royal Mail? With the growing popularity of online shopping, scam emails impersonating Royal Mail have become increasingly common.
These emails often attempt to trick recipients into providing personal information or making payments for “undelivered parcels”.
Identifying whether an email is genuine or fraudulent can be challenging, especially when scammers use convincing tactics.
In this article, we’ll guide you through how you know if an Email from Royal Mail is genuine, understand how these scams work, and ensure your personal and financial information remains secure.
How Does a Parcel Delivery Scam Work?
Parcel delivery scams typically start with an email, text, or phone call pretending to be from a reputable service like Royal Mail.
The scammer’s goal is to create urgency and trick you into acting quickly. These messages often claim that a parcel couldn’t be delivered due to unpaid fees, missing information, or incorrect address details.
The email might include
- A link to “resolve the issue” or “reschedule delivery.”
- A request to pay a small fee for redelivery.
- A fake tracking number to make the email appear legitimate.
Once you click the link, you’re often redirected to a fraudulent website that mimics Royal Mail’s official page.
This site might ask for personal information, payment details, or even passwords. Scammers may use this information for identity theft or financial fraud, so it’s crucial to stay vigilant.
How Do I Know if an Email from Royal Mail is Genuine?
Identifying a genuine Royal Mail email involves paying attention to specific details that scammers often overlook.
Key Indicators of a Genuine Email
- Official sender address: Emails from Royal Mail will always come from addresses ending in “@royalmail.com.”
- Professional formatting: Genuine emails have consistent branding, logos, and proper grammar.
- No urgent demands: Royal Mail does not send threatening messages or pressure you to act immediately.
- Secure links: Authentic emails will link to Royal Mail’s official website.
Steps to Verify an Email
- Check for grammatical errors or unusual language.
- Hover over links (don’t click) to see if they lead to “www.royalmail.com.”
- Cross-check any tracking number provided using Royal Mail’s website.
By using these techniques, you can distinguish between legitimate communications and fraudulent attempts. When in doubt, contact Royal Mail directly.
What Are Common Signs of a Fake Royal Mail Email?
Fake Royal Mail emails often share noticeable patterns designed to manipulate recipients into acting impulsively.
These emails aim to confuse or pressure you into providing personal information or making payments.
Signs of a Fake Email
- Urgent or threatening tone: Messages that demand immediate action.
- Generic greetings: Scammers often use “Dear Customer” instead of your name.
- Unusual payment requests: Asking for delivery fees or customs charges through email.
- Suspicious attachments or links: Links redirect to unofficial websites, and attachments may contain malware.
Examples of Fake Messaging
- “Your parcel is awaiting delivery. Pay £2.99 now to reschedule”.
- “Final warning: your parcel will be returned if unpaid”.
Genuine Royal Mail emails never demand urgent payments or include suspicious attachments.
Recognising these patterns can prevent you from becoming a victim of phishing schemes.
Does Royal Mail Ever Ask for Payments via Email?
Royal Mail does not typically ask for payments via email, particularly for delivery fees or customs charges.
Payments for parcels are usually handled at the delivery point or directly through Royal Mail’s secure website.
If you receive an email requesting payment
- Examine the sender’s email address: Confirm it matches Royal Mail’s official domain.
- Avoid clicking on payment links: Always navigate to the official Royal Mail website manually.
- Verify the claim: Use the provided tracking number on Royal Mail’s tracking page to confirm its legitimacy.
Scammers often use small payment requests to lure victims, knowing they are less likely to question minor amounts.
Stay cautious, and remember that Royal Mail advises against making payments via unsolicited emails.
What Should You Do if an Email Asks for Personal Information?
If you receive an email asking for personal details such as passwords, bank information, or credit card numbers, it is almost certainly a scam.
Royal Mail does not request sensitive personal or financial information via email. Here are the Steps to Handle Such Emails:
Don’t reply
- Avoid responding to the email under any circumstances. Engaging with the sender could put your information at risk.
Verify the sender
- Check if the email is from an official domain, such as “@royalmail.com.” If the domain looks unusual, it is likely fraudulent.
Inspect the content
- Look closely for spelling errors, generic greetings, or unusual links. These are common signs of phishing attempts.
Report the email
- Forward the suspicious email to reportscam@royalmail.com. This helps Royal Mail investigate and take action against phishing scams.
Avoid engaging with the email further and delete it after reporting. Remaining vigilant helps protect your personal information from potential misuse.
How Can You Identify Phishing Links in Royal Mail Emails?
Phishing links are crafted to deceive you into visiting fraudulent websites that resemble Royal Mail’s official pages. These scam emails often contain links that redirect to sites designed to steal sensitive information.
How to Identify Fake Links
- Hover over the link: Check the URL preview to ensure it matches “www.royalmail.com.”
- Look for HTTPS: Genuine websites use “https://” for a secure connection.
- Avoid shortened URLs: Links like “bit.ly” are commonly used in phishing scams.
What to Do if You Spot a Suspicious Link
- Do not click the link in the email.
- Report the email to Royal Mail immediately.
- Visit the official Royal Mail website manually to verify any claims made in the email.
Being cautious about links is crucial for avoiding phishing attempts and safeguarding your information.
Always take extra care when dealing with unexpected emails, especially if they contain links or attachments.
How Can You Identify Phishing Links in Royal Mail Emails?
Genuine Royal Mail emails may include tracking links, but these links will always direct you to the official Royal Mail website. These links allow you to securely verify the status of your parcel.
You can be confident in the authenticity of the link if it takes you to the correct website, which is “https://www.royalmail.com”.
There are a few key indicators that can help recognise authentic tracking links. The URL should always begin with “https://www.royalmail.com,” ensuring a secure connection.
It should not contain strange characters or random strings of text, which are often signs of fraudulent links. Additionally, the tracking number provided in the email can be manually entered on Royal Mail’s official site.
If you’re ever uncertain about a tracking link, it’s important to avoid clicking it. Instead, visit Royal Mail’s official tracking page directly and input the tracking number yourself. This ensures you interact with a legitimate platform and avoid phishing scams.
Do Genuine Royal Mail Emails Contain Tracking Links?
Genuine Royal Mail emails may contain tracking links, but they will always direct you to the official Royal Mail website.
These links allow you to securely verify the status of your parcel and ensure that you are interacting with a legitimate platform.
To recognise authentic tracking links, check that the URL starts with “https://www.royalmail.com.” It should not have any strange characters or random strings of text.
Additionally, the tracking number provided can be manually entered on Royal Mail’s official site for verification.
If you’re uncertain about a tracking link, it’s best to avoid clicking it. Instead, visit Royal Mail’s tracking page directly and input the tracking number there.
This ensures that you’re accessing the official site and not a potential phishing attempt.
How Do Scammers Use Fake Royal Mail Emails to Steal Information?
Scammers use fake Royal Mail emails as a tool to collect sensitive information from unsuspecting individuals.
These emails are carefully designed to appear legitimate, often mimicking Royal Mail’s branding and tone.
The goal is to gain access to personal details, such as passwords, banking information, or payment card numbers, which can be used for identity theft or fraud. Here are the Tactics Scammers Commonly Use:
Phishing websites
- Emails often include links to fake websites that mimic Royal Mail’s official site. These sites ask users to input sensitive information.
Malware attachments
- Some emails contain attachments that, when downloaded, install malicious software to steal data.
Fake payment requests
- Scammers trick recipients into making small payments, capturing their payment card details in the process.
By creating a false sense of urgency or fear, scammers manipulate individuals into acting without verifying the email’s authenticity.
Always cross-check emails with Royal Mail’s official website or contact them directly if you suspect a scam.
What Steps Should You Take if You Receive a Suspicious Royal Mail Email?
Receiving a suspicious email can be alarming, but taking the proper steps can protect you and others from fraud.
Steps to Follow
- Do not click any links or open attachments: These could contain phishing links or malware.
- Check the sender’s address: Confirm it matches Royal Mail’s official domain.
- Forward the email to Royal Mail’s phishing team: Send it to reportscam@royalmail.com for investigation.
- Verify claims independently: Use Royal Mail’s official website to check for any unresolved issues related to deliveries.
- Delete the email: Once reported, remove it from your inbox to prevent accidental interaction.
Taking these actions ensures the scam is documented and reduces the risk of further exposure. Reporting suspicious emails also helps Royal Mail address and combat ongoing fraud schemes.
Where Can You Report a Royal Mail Scam Email?
Reporting scam emails is essential in helping Royal Mail and authorities combat phishing schemes. Royal Mail provides clear guidance on how to report fraudulent messages.
How to Report a Scam Email?
- Forward the email: Send suspicious emails to reportscam@royalmail.com for analysis.
- Contact Action Fraud: If you have fallen victim to a scam, report it to the UK’s national fraud reporting centre, Action Fraud.
- Alert your email provider: Mark the email as spam or phishing to block similar messages in the future.
By reporting scams, you help Royal Mail identify and address fraudulent activity, protecting others from becoming victims.
Always remain vigilant and avoid interacting with suspicious emails while reporting them promptly.
How Does Royal Mail Protect Its Customers Against Scams?
Royal Mail is committed to protecting its customers from scams by implementing several measures to ensure secure communication.
These include fraud detection systems and public awareness initiatives. Steps Taken by Royal Mail:
Educating customers
Royal Mail educates its customers by offering information on its website about common scams and ways to identify them. This helps individuals become more aware and better equipped to avoid falling victim to fraudulent activities.
Reporting channels
Royal Mail provides clear resources for customers to report scam emails or texts directly. This allows customers to quickly alert the company and take action against potential threats.
Advanced security systems
Royal Mail employs advanced technology to detect and block phishing attempts targeting its brand. These security measures help protect customers from malicious activities and safeguard their personal information.
Additionally, Royal Mail collaborates with law enforcement and cybersecurity organisations to combat fraudulent activities.
By staying informed and following Royal Mail’s guidance, customers can better protect themselves from online scams.
Conclusion
Scam emails posing as Royal Mail communications are becoming more sophisticated, but recognising the signs of a fake email can protect you from falling victim.
Always check the sender’s email address, avoid clicking suspicious links, and verify claims directly with Royal Mail.
Reporting fraudulent messages helps protect not only yourself but also others in the community. Staying vigilant and informed is the best defence against online scams.
FAQs
What should I do if I accidentally click on a suspicious link in a Royal Mail email?
Immediately change your passwords, scan your device for malware, and monitor your accounts for unusual activity. Report the email to Royal Mail.
How can I tell the difference between a scam text and a genuine Royal Mail message?
Genuine messages are professionally written, have official contact details, and avoid urgency tactics.
Does Royal Mail contact customers via phone or email for unpaid delivery fees?
No, payments are requested at delivery points or on their official website, not through unsolicited emails or calls.
Can I trust emails with Royal Mail logos?
No, logos can be copied. Verify the sender’s email and links to confirm authenticity.
What types of scams target Royal Mail customers?
Common scams include phishing emails, fake delivery notices, and fraudulent tracking links.
How can I verify the authenticity of a Royal Mail tracking number?
Use Royal Mail’s official tracking page and manually enter the tracking number to confirm its validity.
What are some additional online security tips to avoid parcel delivery scams?
Use antivirus software, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or texts.
