In recent years, the rise of fake delivery text scams has become a significant concern, with Evri (formerly Hermes) being a frequent target for cybercriminals. These scams involve fraudsters impersonating Evri to steal sensitive personal and financial information from unsuspecting individuals.
In fact, in October 2024, the company noted a 4x rise in scamming incidents and successfully took down 12,000 fake websites associated with these scams (it appears Evri have now removed the press release stating this, but the figure can still be found in related articles, including this Yorkshire Post one). Fake parcel delivery texts have become the fastest-growing scam in the UK (NatWest Group Report).
What Is an Evri Scam Text?
Evri scam texts are fraudulent messages sent by cybercriminals pretending to be from the delivery company. These messages often aim to trick you into clicking on malicious links or providing sensitive information. Scammers may claim you owe delivery fees, attempt to reschedule a phoney delivery, or request payment to release a non-existent parcel.
Some common scam tactics include:
- Fake delivery fees: Scammers may ask for an unexpected fee to release your parcel.
- Evri redelivery scam: They might claim that a delivery attempt was missed and that you need to reschedule through a fraudulent link.
- Phishing links: These links may direct you to websites designed to steal your details.
Examples of Evri scam text messages:
- “Your parcel is awaiting delivery. Please pay the outstanding fee.”
- “We attempted to deliver your package. Please reschedule here: [fake link].”
How to Spot an Evri Scam Text
Being able to identify scam text messages is crucial for protecting yourself. Here are practical tips for spotting Evri scam emails and text messages:
- Spelling and Grammar Mistakes: Genuine messages from Evri are professionally written. Scam texts often contain misspellings or different formatting or grammatical errors. Look out for phrases like “Dear Customer,” “Dear,” or “Dear Your Email Address,” which are often signs of generic mass emails.
- Suspicious Links or URLs: Scammers often use URLs that look similar but have slight misspellings or formatting differences. It’s also fairly simple to disguise links behind text. For example: A very real and serious link.
- Urgent or Threatening Language: Scammers may urge you to click links with alarming requests, such as threats of delayed deliveries or lost parcels.
- Requests for Unexpected Payments: Evri does not ask for payment via text. Be suspicious of any request for money that seems unusual or unexpected. Legitimate communication will never demand payment in this way.
How to Protect Yourself from Evri Scam Texts
Prevention is key when it comes to Evri scam text messages. Here are some actions you can take to protect yourself:
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Two-factor authentication strengthens security on accounts linked to online payments. Enabling 2FA ensures that even if a scammer obtains your login details, they cannot access your account without the additional verification.
- Regularly Monitor Bank Transactions: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unusual transactions. If you spot anything suspicious, report it to your bank immediately.
- Use Official Communication Channels: If you receive a suspicious message, always verify the information by visiting the official Evri website or contacting customer service directly. Avoid clicking on any links in the text message. A legitimate Evri email address or text will only direct you to official Evri communications, never to a third-party website.
For official guidance on identifying scam communications, visit Evri’s Official Guidance.
Evri also provides valuable cybersecurity advice that can help protect your deliveries and personal information. Visit Evri’s Cyber Security Advice for more details.
What to Do If You’ve Fallen Victim to an Evri Scam
If you believe you’ve fallen for an Evri scam, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to recover and protect yourself from further harm.
1. Contact Your Bank Immediately: If you’ve provided financial details, contact your bank or payment provider right away. They can help you block any unauthorised transactions and prevent further financial loss.
2. Change Compromised Passwords: If you’ve clicked on a phishing link or provided login details, change your passwords immediately. Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.
3. Report the Scam: It’s essential to report the scam to Action Fraud and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). This will help authorities track trends and protect others from similar attacks.
4. Monitor Financial Accounts: Keep a close eye on your financial accounts for any signs of further suspicious activity.
5. Protect Your Credit Report: Consider putting a fraud alert on your credit report to prevent further misuse of your identity.
6. Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling with the aftermath of a scam, consider seeking professional help to guide you through the recovery process.
For detailed steps on how to recover from financial scams and protect your assets, visit our How to Get Scammed Money Back article.
Protect Yourself with CEL Solicitors
If you’ve fallen victim to an Evri scam email or text or any other type of phishing attack, you don’t have to face the recovery process alone. CEL Solicitors offers a no-win, no-fee service for scam recovery, providing expert guidance to help you reclaim any lost funds and navigate the legal process. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take action today.
For more information or to get started, call us on 0330 822 3754 or complete our quick form.
To learn about other scams you should be aware of, check out our guide on the Top Five Scams Targeting Young People.
