How To Protect a Relative from Courier and Mail Fraud
How to recognise and prevent scams that use fake deliveries, parcel notifications, and in-person couriers to steal money or goods.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Courier and mail scams arrive by post, text, or even at the front door — often impersonating well-known delivery services, banks, or government agencies. They can involve fake 'missed delivery' fees, fraudulent QR codes, or a person calling at the door claiming to collect a parcel or card on behalf of a bank. These scams can feel very convincing, especially to someone who is expecting a delivery.
Recognise common courier and mail scam tactics
Knowing what to look for makes it much easier to pause before acting.
- Text or email claiming a parcel is held until a small fee is paid via a link
- A caller at the door claiming to be from a courier company or the bank
- 'Bank courier' scam: caller says your card is compromised and a courier is coming to collect it
- Fake missed-delivery card with a premium-rate callback number
Share clear rules to follow
Simple, memorable rules are the most effective protection — especially for relatives who may feel flustered when someone is at the door or on the phone.
- Genuine banks never send a courier to collect your card or cash
- Never pay a delivery fee by clicking a link in a text — go directly to the official carrier website
- Never give a card, cash, or personal documents to someone who arrives unannounced
- It is always safe to say 'I need to check — I will call you back on the official number'
Set up practical protections
A few simple adjustments reduce exposure to these scams significantly.
- Use delivery services that allow you to specify a safe place or neighbour for parcels
- Register with the Royal Mail or national mail preference service to reduce unsolicited mail
- Agree a family rule to call before paying any unexpected delivery charge
- Put a sticker near the door: 'I do not buy from or hand over anything to cold callers'
Conversation script
“Have you ever had a text saying a parcel was being held until you pay a small fee? Those are nearly always scams — I wanted to show you what to look for.”
“One really important thing: if anyone ever calls claiming the bank is sending a courier to collect your card, hang up — no real bank ever does that.”
“If you are ever unsure about a delivery message, just forward it to me and I will have a look before you click anything.”
Frequently asked questions
What if the person at the door has a uniform and official-looking ID?
Uniforms and fake ID cards can be purchased or fabricated. If your relative is unsure, they should keep the door on the chain, not hand over anything, and call the company directly on a number found independently — not one provided by the caller.
Are there any genuinely legitimate unexpected delivery charges?
Yes — customs charges on international parcels are real and are collected by carriers. But these are always handled through the official carrier's website or a formal customs letter, never a link in an unsolicited text.