Three UK Mobile Network Users Urged to Take Immediate Precautions
Customers of Three UK are being advised to exercise caution this summer as there is an increasing number of scammers posing as delivery businesses and sending texts.
The operator detection systems of Three have detected a rise in criminal activity aimed at defrauding customers by taking advantage of summer shopping.
Three UK has blocked almost 20 million bogus texts since January 2024—that is, 111,111 messages every day.
In the “missed parcel” scam, con artists send a text or email claiming that a courier is trying to deliver a package, but that the recipient must pay a fee or reschedule pickup.
A link to a website or an invitation to download an app will be included in the message; these will be “spoofed” to appear to be from a reputable delivery service.
“The’missed parcel’ scam has been around for a while, but online shoppers are more vulnerable at this time of year with summer deals and holiday shopping,” stated Mark Fitzgerald, Director of Finance & Fraud at Three UK.Our staff dedicated to preventing fraud is constantly at work blocking phoney messages and informing our clients about the newest alerts so they may sleep soundly.
“Do not click on any text links you receive if you are awaiting a delivery and you receive a message about a “missed parcel.” Utilise official websites or applications to follow your package. Send any SMS that seem suspect to the free spam-reporting hotline at 7726.
How may an SMS delivery scam be identified?
Phishing tracking URLs and details about unsuccessful delivery efforts are frequently included in delivery scam SMS.
The main warning signs to watch out for are:
Random phone numbers; badly written English; texts pressuring you to take immediate action; insufficient details regarding your package; and a site link that leads to further text
In the event that you receive a “missed parcel” notification while waiting for a delivery, follow these tips:
- Never click on the link and do not divulge personal bank information
- Track your package via the official websites of the delivery companies
- Forward the message to 7726, a free phone operator spam report service.
- Eliminate the communication.