These scams often catch people off guard, sending fake messages that look like they’re from a trusted courier (e.g. DHL, Evri or Royal Mail) and claiming your parcel couldn’t be delivered or asking you to pay a small delivery fee.

At Triodos Bank, we’re here to help you stay informed and safe, so you can protect yourself from fraud. 

How missed delivery scams work 

• The hook – a missed delivery notification 

Scammers send texts, emails, or even call, pretending to be from a delivery company. These messages use official-looking logos or branding to make them feel legitimate. 

• The call to action – click here 

The message asks you to click on a link to reschedule the delivery. But this link takes you to a fake website designed to look like the real thing. 

• The request – payment or personal information 

On these fake sites, you might be asked to pay a small fee or provide sensitive details like your bank information. This information is then used for fraud, either by using these details to gain your trust in another type of scam or by carrying out fraudulent card transactions using your compromised debit card details.  

Sometimes, the message may even ask you to download an ‘official-looking’ mobile app on to your device which may actually turn out to be malicious software designed to steal sensitive information.  

The impact 

These scams go beyond money—they also undermine trust. Falling for a scam can leave people feeling vulnerable or anxious about online interactions. At Triodos, we believe knowledge is power and by understanding how these scams work, we can help our customers protect themselves.

Tips to protect yourself 

• Pause and verify: If you get a missed delivery message, don’t rush. Take a moment to check directly with the courier using their official website or contact details. 

• Check the sender: Scammers often use email addresses or phone numbers that look convincing but have subtle errors. Be on the lookout for odd spellings or strange domains. 

• Avoid links in messages: Instead of clicking links in unsolicited messages, visit the courier’s official website. If you are uncertain, use your browser to search for their genuine website.  

• Be wary of payment requests: Most genuine couriers don’t charge for rescheduling deliveries. A request for payment is likely a red flag. 

• Report suspicious messages: If you spot a scam, do not click the link in the message, and do not install any apps if prompted. Forward the message to 7726, a free spam-reporting service provided by phone operators. Your action could protect others too.