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Is this text a scam?

Is this Royal Mail text a scam? (UK)

Updated October 16, 2026 · 5 min read

A text saying Royal Mail missed your delivery, with a link and a small fee to pay, is one of the most common UK scams. Royal Mail says it will only text or email you about an item if the sender asked for tracking updates when posting it. If you aren’t expecting a parcel, don’t click. Here is what to check and where to report it.

The short answer

Royal Mail says it only contacts you by text or email if the sender requested tracking updates when posting the item. A message about a parcel you aren’t expecting, with a link and a request for payment, is a red flag. We can’t see your message, so no page can tell you for certain. If you’re unsure, don’t use the link: go to the company’s own app or website, or call a number you already trust.

What Royal Mail says to watch for

  • Messages like “we couldn’t deliver your package, please pay a fee” or “your parcel is waiting, click this link”.
  • Shortened links such as bit.ly, or web addresses you don’t recognise.
  • Any request for passwords, bank details or for you to enter information on an unfamiliar website.
  • Do not open links or attachments in a message you weren’t expecting.

What to do now

  1. Don’t click, reply or call a number in the text.
  2. Forward the text to 7726 (free). This reports it to your mobile provider.
  3. Send a screenshot to reportascam@royalmail.com, as Royal Mail’s help page asks.
  4. If you have a parcel coming, check it through royalmail.com yourself using your tracking number.
  5. Delete the message and block the sender.

If you clicked, paid or shared details

  • Contact your bank immediately and say you may have been the victim of fraud. Ask them to block your card.
  • Change any password you typed, and anywhere you reuse it.
  • Report the fraud to Report Fraud (reportfraud.police.uk), which has replaced Action Fraud, as Evri’s guidance also notes.

Check it again

You can also paste the message into our free scam text checker. It runs on your message and doesn’t store it.

Frequently asked questions

Does Royal Mail text you about parcels?

Only if the sender requested tracking updates when posting the item, according to Royal Mail. Otherwise, treat a tracking text as suspicious.

Where do I report a Royal Mail scam text?

Forward the text to 7726 and send a screenshot to reportascam@royalmail.com.

Is the 7726 number free?

Yes, Royal Mail says forwarding a text to 7726 is free.

Sources

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