Stay Sharp This Season: How to Avoid Christmas Parcel Delivery Fraud Scams

Christmas is meant to be a season of warmth, generosity, and excitement, especially when parcels start arriving at the door. 

But as online shopping reaches its annual peak, so does the risk of falling for parcel delivery scams.

Fraudsters know that most of us are expecting gifts, last-minute purchases, and festive treats, making it the perfect time to strike.

Here’s how to stay one step ahead and keep your Christmas safe from scammers.

Why Parcel Scams Surge at Christmas

December is the busiest month of the year for Royal Mail, couriers, and online retailers. Scammers exploit this by sending fake texts, emails, and social media messages claiming a parcel can’t be delivered unless you pay a fee, update your details, or click a link.

The idea is simple: catch you when you're distracted, busy, or genuinely waiting for deliveries.

Common Christmas Parcel Delivery Scams

1. “You Need to Pay a Small Fee” Texts

Messages claiming you owe £1.50 or £2.99 to release a parcel are a classic. The link leads to a fake site where your card details are harvested.

2. Fake “We Missed You” Emails

These mimic Royal Mail, DPD, Evri, or Amazon delivery updates. Clicking the link may install malware or direct you to a phishing page.

3. Social Media “Tracking Portals”

Fraudulent posts circulate every December offering “global parcel tracking” or “lost parcel checking tools”. They are not legitimate.

4. Parcel “Redirection” Scams

You may receive a message asking you to rebook delivery or confirm your address. Again, it leads to a bogus page collecting personal data.

5. Scammers at the Door

Very rarely, someone may turn up claiming a parcel requires a cash surcharge. No legitimate courier will ask for unexpected payment on the doorstep.

How to Spot a Scam Quickly

Check the sender carefully

Is the number unfamiliar or oddly formatted?

Does the email come from a strange domain (e.g., royalmail-tracking-uk.co instead of royalmail.com)?

Look for spelling mistakes or odd wording

Scammers often rush messages, resulting in errors or clunky phrasing.

Never click unexpected links

If you weren’t expecting the message, ignore it.

Use official tracking only

Manually type the courier’s website into your browser and track from there.

Royal Mail never texts you asking for payment

Neither do Amazon, DPD, Evri, or any reputable courier.

What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Message

Do not click the link.

Forward scam texts to 7726 (free UK service to report spam).

Forward scam emails to:

report@phishing.gov.uk

Delete the message.

If you’ve clicked the link or entered details:

Contact your bank immediately.

Change your passwords.

Run antivirus checks if you downloaded anything.

Safe Ways to Keep Track of Your Real Parcels

Use retailer order histories (Amazon, John Lewis, Argos, etc.).

Sign up for official courier apps.

Use live tracking only from the retailer who sold the item.

Keep your delivery notifications in one place so you don’t confuse genuine alerts with scam attempts.

Christmas parcel scams thrive because they rely on urgency, excitement, and distraction. But with a little caution and awareness, you can protect yourself and your family from fraudsters trying to cash in on the festive season.

Stay alert, shop safely, and may every parcel that comes your way be a genuine bit of Christmas joy.

How to Avoid Scams This Christmas: Stay Safe While Getting Festive

Christmas is a time for giving, celebrating, and spending time with loved ones—but sadly, it’s also a peak time for scammers to try and take advantage of our festive spirit and busy schedules. 

Whether you’re shopping online, donating to charity, or even just checking your inbox, staying scam-savvy can save you a lot of stress (and money!).

Here’s how to keep the season merry and bright—and scam-free.

1. Stick to Trusted Retailers

Scammers love to set up fake websites that look eerily similar to the real thing, especially when everyone’s on the hunt for a last-minute deal. To stay safe:

Always type in the URL of your favourite retailers rather than clicking on links from ads or emails.

Look for the padlock icon in the address bar—though this isn’t a guarantee of safety, it’s a good first check.

Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. A £20 PlayStation 5? Probably not legit.

2. Watch Out for Fake Delivery Texts and Emails

Royal Mail, DPD, Evri and other couriers don’t usually ask for payment to redeliver a parcel. Scammers often send texts or emails pretending to be from these services, asking you to click a link or pay a small fee.

Never click links in unexpected texts or emails—go directly to the courier’s official website.

Check the sender address carefully. Scam emails often have strange email domains like @deliveryconfirm123.net.

3. Be Cautious With Online Marketplaces

Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and even eBay can be hotspots for scams during the festive rush.

Always pay through the platform’s secure payment system—never send money directly via bank transfer or PayPal Friends & Family.

Meet in person for local pick-ups where possible, and inspect the item before paying.

If it sounds dodgy, it probably is—trust your gut.

4. Don't Fall for Charity Scams

The season of goodwill can sadly attract fake charities hoping to prey on our generosity.

If you want to give, donate directly through a charity’s official website or a trusted platform like JustGiving or Virgin Money Giving.

Check that a charity is registered in the UK using the Charity Commission's search tool.

5. Avoid Too-Good-To-Be-True Social Media Ads

You might see tempting ads for incredible deals on everything from perfume to electronics. Many of these are scams.

Check reviews—not just on the company’s site, but through independent sources.

Search the company name with keywords like “scam” or “review” before buying.

Be wary of newly created pages with little to no information.

6. Keep Your Devices Secure

Use the Christmas season as a reason to do a bit of digital housekeeping.

Enable two-factor authentication on your email and bank accounts.

Keep your devices updated with the latest software and antivirus protection.

Use strong, unique passwords (a password manager can help if that sounds like a lot to remember!).

7. Educate the Whole Household

Scammers often target vulnerable people—especially the elderly. Take some time to chat with your family about common scams and how to avoid them.

Share what to look out for and encourage them to double-check with someone they trust if something seems off.

Final Word 

Scammers don’t take a holiday—if anything, they get more active. But with a little awareness and some common sense, you can enjoy a scam-free Christmas and focus on what really matters.

Wishing you a safe, happy, and scam-free festive season for 2025!

Beware of Unsolicited Packages: A Christmas-Time Concern

As the festive season draws closer, many of us look forward to the joy of receiving gifts in the post, but not all deliveries bring good tidings. 

The phenomenon of receiving unsolicited packages, items sent without your request or knowledge, has raised significant concerns, especially around Christmas time. 

While some might see this as a harmless curiosity or even a lucky coincidence, it can come with strings attached.

Here, we explore the reasons behind this trend, the risks it presents, and what to do if you find yourself on the receiving end of an unexpected delivery.

Why Are Unsolicited Packages Sent?

Unsolicited packages are often linked to scams or shady business practices. Common reasons include:

Brushing Scams

In a "brushing" scam, online sellers send packages to random addresses to boost their sales figures artificially. Once the item is delivered, the seller can write a fake "verified" review on their site, giving the illusion of satisfied customers.

Phishing Attempts

Some packages may include requests for personal or financial information, cleverly disguised as holiday greetings or promotions.

Fraudulent Charges

In certain cases, the unsolicited package is part of a scheme where your card details have been stolen, and a small, inexpensive item is shipped to see if the fraudulent transaction goes unnoticed.

Marketing Gimmicks

Companies may send "free samples" in an attempt to gain your trust and entice you to make a purchase. However, these often come with hidden costs or obligations.

Why Is This Concerning at Christmas?

The festive period sees a significant rise in online shopping and gift deliveries. This heightened activity makes it easier for scammers to blend in, as we're less likely to question unexpected deliveries amidst the flurry of legitimate parcels. Additionally, our personal details may be more widely shared during this time, especially if we’re shopping on less-secure websites or signing up for holiday promotions.

The Risks of Unsolicited Packages

Privacy Violations

Receiving an unsolicited package might mean that your personal information—such as your name, address, or contact details—has been compromised. This can be unsettling and potentially lead to further breaches.

Financial Fraud

If the package is part of a brushing scam or fraudulent charge, you may unknowingly be a victim of identity theft.

Hidden Costs

Some unsolicited packages may claim to be free but later hit you with unexpected charges, subscriptions, or obligations.

Health and Safety

In rare cases, the contents of unsolicited packages can be harmful or contaminated. Opening an unknown package without verifying its origin can pose risks.

What Should You Do If You Receive One?

Don’t Open It Immediately

If you’re unsure about the package’s origin, leave it sealed until you’ve done some investigating.

Check for Clues

Look for a return address, company logo, or tracking information. This might give you an idea of where it came from.

Contact the Sender or Courier

If the package includes any information about the sender or courier, reach out to them to clarify.

Report It

In the UK, you can report unsolicited packages to Action Fraud or your local Trading Standards. They can advise you on the best course of action.

Dispose of It Responsibly

If you’re confident it’s part of a brushing scam or a marketing tactic, and it contains no harmful items, dispose of the package in an environmentally friendly way.

Monitor Your Accounts

Check your bank and online shopping accounts for any unauthorised transactions or suspicious activity.

How to Protect Yourself

Be Wary of Sharing Your Information

Only shop with reputable retailers and avoid giving out personal details unnecessarily.

Use Secure Payment Methods

Pay with credit cards or trusted payment platforms that offer fraud protection.

Monitor Your Online Presence

Regularly review your accounts and change passwords to safeguard your information.

Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off, take it seriously. It’s better to err on the side of caution during this busy season.

While Christmas is a time of goodwill and generosity, it’s important to stay vigilant and protect yourself from potential scams. Unsolicited packages might seem harmless, but they can carry risks that dampen the holiday spirit. By staying informed and cautious, you can enjoy the season with peace of mind, knowing that your gifts—and your personal information—are safe.

Expert on parcel deliveries, Parcelhero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., says: "We all have parcels arriving left, right and centre at this time of year. 

"However, it pays to take notice of exactly where each package has come from, in case you find yourself involved in a Christmas “Brushing” scam.

"Unscrupulous e-commerce sellers send unsolicited packages to people in an attempt to boost their ratings and reviews. It’s a practice known as “Brushing”. The term comes from the scammers’ intention to brush aside suspicion.

"If your name is on the address label, it could be an indication that your personal data has been accessed or compromised. Of course, this need not mean your information has been shared in a data breach; it’s likely your details are also available on various public directories and even on social media.

"Staffordshire Police says it has received a number of reports of people receiving cheap items of jewellery, made to look like more valuable items, that they have not ordered. One person had even had six plastic washing machines delivered."

He added: "Christmas can be an overwhelming time for people buying online and mailing presents in time for the Big Day. With many international mailing deadlines coming early, Parcelhero has relaunched our popular Christmas tool in the nick of time. 

"You can now find out the last collection dates for presents to UK and international destinations to help ensure gifts reach their destinations on time. To check the easy-to-use final collection dates tool and also see the UK’s top 50 retailers’ Christmas order deadlines, see: https://www.parcelhero.com/events/christmas-gifts-delivery"

You can contact Action Fraud UK via https://www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling them on 0300 123 2040.

People in Wales can visit the Welsh language Action Fraud service via https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/welsh

Stay Scam-Savvy This Christmas Season: Protect Yourself from Festive Fraudsters

The Christmas season is a time of giving, joy, and togetherness. 

Unfortunately, it’s also a time when scammers ramp up their efforts, preying on the goodwill and busy schedules of people preparing for the festive period. 

From too-good-to-be-true deals to fake charity appeals, scammers use a variety of tactics to exploit unwary shoppers. Here’s how to spot the warning signs and protect yourself from falling victim to holiday fraud.

1. Online Shopping Scams

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday kicking off the festive spending spree, online shopping becomes a prime target for fraudsters. They lure victims with offers of unbelievable discounts on popular items like electronics, toys, and luxury goods. These "deals" are often fake or involve counterfeit goods.

What to watch for:

Websites with poor grammar, strange URLs, or no contact details.

Pressure tactics such as "limited stock" or "offer ends today."

Lack of secure payment options (no padlock symbol in the browser).

Protect yourself:

Stick to reputable retailers, avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or ads, and use a credit card for additional purchase protection.

2. Delivery Scams

With millions of parcels in transit, scammers send fake emails or texts claiming to be from delivery companies. These messages often include links asking you to pay a small fee for redelivery or confirm your details.

What to watch for:

Unexpected delivery notifications for parcels you weren’t expecting.

Links that lead to suspicious websites asking for personal or payment details.

Spelling errors or generic greetings in messages.

Protect yourself:

Verify the sender before clicking on any links, and check directly with the courier if you’re unsure. Legitimate delivery companies rarely ask for extra fees via text or email.

3. Fake Charity Appeals

The spirit of Christmas often inspires generosity, and scammers exploit this by setting up fake charities or impersonating genuine organisations. They may approach you on the street, online, or over the phone.

What to watch for:

High-pressure tactics to donate immediately.

Vague details about how donations will be used.

Charities you’ve never heard of or that don’t appear on official charity registers.

Protect yourself:

Research charities on the UK’s official Charity Commission website, and never feel pressured to donate on the spot.

4. Social Media and Email Scams

Fraudsters often use social media to target individuals with fake competitions, giveaways, or investment opportunities. They also send phishing emails disguised as messages from trusted retailers or brands.

What to watch for:

Requests for personal information to claim a prize.

Requests to feed a poor, starving family. That doesn't really exist.

Links redirecting you to login pages that look official but are fake.

Overly generous "Christmas gift" campaigns from unknown sources.

Protect yourself:

Be sceptical of offers that seem too good to be true, and don’t share personal or financial details without verifying the source.

5. Gift Card Scams

Scammers may ask you to pay for goods or settle debts using gift cards, often claiming to be from government agencies, utility providers, or even a loved one in need.

What to watch for:

Requests to purchase specific gift cards and share the codes.

Stories designed to create urgency, such as "your account will be closed."

Protect yourself:

Remember, no legitimate organisation will ask for payment in gift cards. If you’re unsure, contact the organisation directly using official contact details.

6. Unsecured Wi-Fi Risks

While Christmas shopping on the go, you might be tempted to use public Wi-Fi at cafés or shopping centres. Unfortunately, scammers can intercept your data on unsecured networks.

What to watch for:

Public Wi-Fi networks that don’t require a password.

Unusual activity on your accounts after using such networks.

Protect yourself:

Avoid making purchases or accessing sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi. Use a VPN if you need to connect securely.

Final Thoughts

The festive season should be about enjoying time with loved ones, not worrying about fraudsters. By staying vigilant and taking simple precautions, you can protect yourself from holiday scams and shop with confidence.

If you believe you’ve been targeted, report the incident to Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk) or contact your bank immediately. Let’s keep the festive cheer flowing and the scammers at bay!

Happy Christmas and stay scam-savvy!