Parcel delivery scams have topped the list of the most common scam in the UK, a new study has revealed.
New research by Citizens Advice, as part of its Scams Awareness campaign, shows that almost half of people (49%) had been targeted by scammers trying to get hold of personal or bank details through a parcel delivery scam.
The data also highlights that 40 million people have been targeted by scams already in 2023. Over-75s were the most commonly targeted with 87% having a scam, typically over the phone.
Younger generations also prove to be a risk, with 84% of 18-24 year olds duped via mobile messaging.
Citizens Advice Consumer Service received over 9,000 reports of scams between January to April 2023. The charity is urging more people to report scams to help protect others from falling victim.
Top 5 scams of 2023 (so far)
1. Parcel delivery scams (49%): texts or emails claiming to be from a delivery company to reschedule or pay additional delivery fees in an attempt to get people’s personal information or bank details. Or false tracking information is given for items bought online, which never arrive.
2. Banking scams (29%): correspondence claiming to be from one of the banks attempting to get people’s bank details
3. Online shopping scams (25%): items bought online which never arrive, often once the seller has the money they block all contact from the buyer. This can also happen with sales through social media and apps
4. Investment scams (24%): get-rich-quick schemes
5. Tax or government support related scams (24%): correspondence claiming to be from the government about support available for energy bills, and asking for personal information including bank details.
“I haven’t even been able to face telling my mum and dad”
For 26-year-old Victoria* buying a new car cost more than she could ever have imagined after being targeted by scammers.
The Lancashire woman was left thousands of pounds out of pocket when attempting to buy a car through an online marketplace.
Speaking of her experience, she said: “It all seemed very legit, the contact seemed very, very real. I haven’t seen any negative reviews about the company so I just thought it was fine.”
Victoria researched the company and car and transferred £3325. However, the car never arrived, and she then saw it re-advertised at different locations, up to twenty times in a matter of days.
She said: “When I confronted the man who sold it to me he was very, very cold. Now they’ve changed all their numbers and email addresses.
“I can’t tell you how stressful it’s been. It’s caused so much heartache and I haven’t even been able to face telling my mum and my dad about what’s happened. The scammers shouldn’t be able to get away with it.”
Top tips to spot scams
Jane Parsons, Citizens Advice consumer expert, has shared her top tips to spot scams in the future:
- It seems too good to be true – for example, a holiday that’s much cheaper than you’d expect.
- You’ve been pressured to transfer money quickly.
- You’ve been asked to pay in an unusual way – like by an iTunes voucher or a transfer service.
- You’ve been asked to give away personal information such as passwords, PINs or verification codes.
- You spot signs that the organisation or person you are dealing with isn’t genuine – perhaps the email address doesn’t seem quite right. Always step back and double check if you have any doubts at all.
What to do if you’ve been scammed
If you’ve been scammed:
- Talk to your bank or card company immediately if you’ve handed over any financial and sensitive information or made a payment
- Report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 204
- You can also contact the Citizens Advice consumer service for help with what to do next.
Where can I get more advice on False parcel deliveries top list of scams and other debt solutions?
To discuss your options and get the support you need to deal with your debt today, contact us now on 0800 0431 431 or click the button to get started