TSB has warned people to be wary of fake delivery texts during the festive period.

According to the bank, four in five – 81 per cent – of fraud cases that start with a text message are from fraudsters imitating Royal Mail, DPD, Hermes.

TSB found that Royal Mail was the most impersonated delivery company3, accounting for 62 per cent of fraud that starts by delivery scam text message, followed by DPD per cent, and Hermes, 15 per cent.

The bank said that ‘Safe Account’ scams are rife across the banking sector and make up 20 percent of all fraud losses – with an average industry loss of £4,500 per case.

It referred to a case that saw a customer refunded over £7,000 after falling victim to a fraud that started when she received a scam text impersonating Royal Mail. As she was waiting for a parcel from Australia, she thought it was genuine and followed the link to complete the form.

“Fraudsters are changing their methods all the time,” said Paul Davis, director of fraud prevention, TSB. “Clicking on a link in an SMS might seem like a small act, but it could be the beginning of your life savings being stolen from you.
Davis added: “It’s important to remain on guard. Never input personal details into an SMS link, and certainly not your card details. Spread the word – don’t let a fraudster ruin your Christmas.”

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