Received an email saying you have a DPD parcel waiting, but you don’t remember ordering anything? Or a text message asking you to pay a shipping fee?
You could be at risk of a scam. You are not alone, and there’s help available.
This guide covers everything you need to know about DPD scams, including red flags to watch out for, how to report a DPD scam text and what to do if you’ve been scammed, including how to get legal support.
What’s a DPD Scam?
A DPD scam is when a fraudster pretends to be the delivery company, DPD. There are a number of ways scammers can do this, including:
Delivery cards: fake ‘DPD’ cards may be posted through your letterbox, claiming you have a parcel at the depot that needs rescheduling, with an ‘unpaid fee’ to collect it.
Text messages: SMS or WhatsApp messages may ask you to click a link to pay a shipping fee, or to reschedule your delivery to another date.
Calls: scammers might call pretending to be DPD support, asking for personal information to resolve an ‘issue’ with an upcoming delivery.
Emails: often copying DPD’s branding closely, the email might say your package couldn’t be delivered and ask you to click a link to rearrange it, or that a payment is needed before delivery. Fake ‘invoices’ may also be attached, which can download harmful software to your device if opened.
Websites: fake websites can trick people into entering personal, sensitive information, which scammers then collect. For example, a ‘track your parcel’ link in an email or text could redirect you to a fraudulent site.
This pattern is common across other brands, too. We’ve seen the same tactics used in EE scams, where fraudsters impersonate the mobile network instead of a courier.
What Are The Laws on DPD Scams in England and Wales?
DPD scams are treated as serious criminal offences under the Fraud Act 2006. Anyone pretending to be DPD, for example, by sending fake delivery cards, notifications, texts or emails to trick people into paying fees or sharing personal details, could be charged with fraud by false representation.
Some scams may also fall under the Computer Misuse Act 1990, particularly where downloads or fake links are used to install harmful software onto your device. If scammers then unlawfully collect your personal details, the Data Protection Act 2018 could apply too.
The consequences can be severe, including up to 10 years in prison, significant fines and the possible seizure of assets. Recovering money can still be difficult, though, which is why many victims turn to fraud recovery specialists, like CEL Solicitors, for support. We listen, we care, we win, and we’ll help you understand your options and protect your rights.
If you’d like a wider picture of how scams like this work, our guide on what a scam is covers the most common types and how to protect yourself and your family.
Tips For Recognising DPD Scam Texts and Emails
So, what are the biggest red flags to watch for so you can protect yourself against DPD scams?
Getting familiar with these tactics gives you a real advantage, helping you stay one step ahead of fraudsters.
Common Signs of DPD Scams
Scammers often try to make their messages look as legitimate as possible, copying official DPD communications closely.
Even so, mistakes do happen, and spotting them is often the easiest way to tell a scam apart from a genuine message.
Language: phrases like “your delivery will be cancelled” or urgent deadlines to pay a fee are designed to make you panic and act quickly. Watch out for poor grammar and spelling too, especially alongside a tone that doesn’t sound like DPD (too casual or too aggressive, for example).
Mismatched branding: look out for logos, colours or layouts that don’t match official DPD communications. Scam messages can also look unprofessional or poorly designed.
Suspicious sender address: if you’ve received an email from ‘DPD’, check the sender address carefully. Even small changes, such as ‘[email protected]‘, are a sign it’s fraudulent.
Fake payment links: fraudsters often direct you to third-party sites to “pay” for your delivery, where they collect your personal information instead. Avoid clicking on suspicious links.
QR codes: a physical DPD scam card may include a QR code, leading you to a fake website that asks for your card details.
Websites: some websites imitate DPD to collect your personal details. Check the address carefully before visiting, and don’t click on a link if anything feels off.
What DPD Will Never Do
To help you feel more confident spotting scams, here’s what DPD will never ask you to do:
- Pay a redelivery fee by text or email
- Ask for your bank details, passwords or personal information via a link
- Direct you to suspicious or unofficial websites
- Send messages that pressure you with urgent warnings or threats to release or deliver a parcel
- Ask you to download attachments or files to “confirm” or “release” a delivery
It’s worth knowing that DPD doesn’t generally send text messages asking you to take action on a delivery in this way. If you’ve received a ‘DPD’ message with any of the above, it’s likely a scam, and you should report it straight away.
Reporting DPD Scams
If you think you’ve been targeted by a DPD scam message, letter or website, the most important thing you can do is report it.
Contact DPD customer services on 0121 275 0500, or speak to them via Live Chat, to let them know about fake messages or suspicious activity so they can investigate.
By reporting any suspected scam attempts, you’ll help DPD warn other customers about new tactics circulating, helping prevent further people from being targeted.
If you’ve been scammed online, we’d also recommend that you:
- Run an anti-virus and anti-malware check on your computer or network
- Clear the cookies in your browser
- Reset the password on your email account
You should also report scams and phishing attempts to the UK government. GOV.UK has clear instructions for forwarding suspicious emails or text messages, and for reporting misleading adverts or online fraud.
I’ve Fallen Victim To a DPD Scam – What Do I Do?
Whether it was a fake delivery card, a phishing email or a suspicious text message, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and improve your chances of recovering your money if you’ve fallen victim to a DPD scam.
1. Document the Scam
If you believe you’ve been scammed by a DPD fraudster, the first step is to document everything thoroughly.
Take photographs of any DPD scam cards, screenshots of emails or texts, and note down email addresses, links, details of unusual attachments and any other suspicious communications.
Make a note of whether you’ve shared any sensitive information, such as bank or financial details. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be for any future claims or investigations.
2. Secure Your Accounts
Next, check and secure your accounts thoroughly. Look for any activity you don’t recognise, and if you’ve shared sensitive banking information, contact your bank straight away.
They can raise a security concern on your account, watch for suspicious activity, and may issue you a new card with fresh details.
The sooner you act, the less chance scammers have of accessing your personal information.
3. Report the Scam
Finally, report the scam to the relevant authorities or businesses. If you’re considering a legal claim for financial loss caused by a DPD scam, it’s important to report the scam first, to:
- DPD: reporting the scam directly to DPD is important, as their security team can investigate and put extra protections in place to stop others from being targeted in the same way. You can contact Live Chat or call 0121 275 0500.
- Your bank: if you’ve shared financial information, alert your bank immediately so they can watch for suspicious activity or issue a new card.
- Your email provider: if the scam arrived by email, report it and flag it as phishing (for example, through Gmail or Outlook).
- The authorities: if you live in England or Wales, report the scam to Report Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for cybercrime and fraud. You’ll receive a police crime reference number, which you can use for recovery or legal claims.
How To Make a Claim Against a DPD Scam
Once you’ve documented the scam, secured your accounts and reported it to the right people, you may be able to recover the money you’ve lost. At CEL Solicitors, we pursue two main routes depending on your circumstances.
Claiming against your bank
In many cases, your bank has a legal responsibility to protect you from fraud and to reimburse you when things go wrong. If your bank failed to flag suspicious activity, warn you before a payment went through, or reimburse you after the fact, you may have grounds for a complaint.
CEL Solicitors can take that complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) on your behalf. The FOS is an independent body that investigates disputes between consumers and financial institutions, and can order your bank to pay you back where it finds in your favour.
This route is available even if the scammer themselves has never been identified, which is often the case. You don’t need to find the fraudster to make a successful claim.
Where the scammer can be identified
If the person behind the scam can be traced and is based in the UK, there may be grounds to take direct legal action against them. In those cases, we refer clients to our partner firm Watson Woodhouse, who specialise in bringing criminal claims against fraudsters.
Our team will assess your situation from the outset and make sure you’re pointed in the right direction from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions About DPD Scams
What should I do if I receive a DPD scam text?
Don’t click any links or reply. Delete the message and, if you can, report it to DPD and forward it as a phishing attempt to your email or phone provider. If you’ve already clicked a link or shared any details, contact your bank straight away and follow the steps in our guide above.
How do I know if a DPD email is genuine?
Check the sender’s email address carefully rather than just the display name, since scammers often use addresses that look similar to DPD’s at a glance. Genuine DPD emails won’t ask you to pay a redelivery fee through a link or request your bank details. If you’re at all unsure, go directly to DPD’s official website or app rather than clicking through from the email.
Can I get my money back after a DPD scam?
In some cases, yes. If you’ve lost money, you may be able to recover it through a complaint to your bank or, where the scammer can be identified, through direct legal action. CEL Solicitors specialise in scam recovery and can advise on the best route for your situation.
Does DPD ever send text messages?
Yes, but only about deliveries you’re actually expecting, such as narrowing your delivery slot or confirming your parcel is on its way. DPD will never use a text to ask for payment, personal details or banking information.
Choosing CEL Solicitors for DPD Scam Claims
We understand the distress that comes with being scammed, both emotionally and financially. That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way through your claim.
At CEL Solicitors, our team specialises in fraud, crypto and scam claims, with a strong track record of recovering millions for our clients.
We work on a No-Win, No-Fee basis, so you won’t pay anything upfront, giving you access to the expert legal help you deserve without financial worry.
Our consultation is completely free. We’ll listen, review your situation carefully and give you clear advice on your next steps.
Ready to pursue your DPD scam claim? Just tell CEL. Call our team today on 0151 909 8212 or enquire online for a free, no-obligation consultation.
We listen, we care, we win.
