Is a text message from a delivery company asking me to pay a small redelivery fee a scam?
Very likely. Delivery fee texts are one of the most widely distributed phishing formats — the small amount makes victims less suspicious.
Last reviewed: 1 August 2026
Explanation
Parcel redelivery fee scams work precisely because the amounts are small — typically just a token sum — making victims feel the risk is low. The text claims to be from a delivery company and asks for a small fee to redeliver a held or missed parcel. Clicking the link leads to a convincing fake carrier website that collects your card details. Even if you only provide your card number for a small charge, the scammer now has your full card details for larger fraudulent transactions. Real delivery companies do not charge card fees for standard redelivery — any redelivery arrangement is managed through the carrier's app or website that you navigate to yourself. If you are genuinely expecting a parcel, log in directly to the carrier's website using a known bookmark.
The card capture is often only the first stage. Days later, many victims receive a phone call from someone posing as their bank's fraud team, referencing the exact delivery payment they made — instant credibility, because who else would know? That call then talks the victim into 'securing' their account by moving money or revealing codes, and it is where the serious losses happen. If you have entered card details on a delivery page and later receive a bank call about it, hang up and dial your bank yourself on the number from your card. The follow-up call is part of the same operation, not the rescue from it.
Common red flags
- Text from an unrecognised number about a missed parcel requiring a small fee
- Link in the text leads to a domain you do not recognise
- Amount requested is small to seem low-risk
- You are not expecting a delivery from the named carrier
- Message has generic sender name and no specific parcel reference
What to do now
- Do not click the link or enter any card details
- Check your genuine parcel status directly on the carrier's official website
- Report the phishing text to your national SMS fraud reporting service
- Forward it to 7726 in the UK to report to your mobile provider
Frequently asked questions
What if I entered my card details on the fake page?
Contact your bank immediately to cancel the card and monitor for unauthorised transactions. Report the incident to your national fraud service.
Why would scammers bother collecting such a small fee?
The fee is incidental — the real prize is your full card details and personal information entered on the fake page, which are used for larger fraud and convincing follow-up calls impersonating your bank.