Medium riskDelivery & Postal Scams

Missed Delivery Card Scam

In this scam, a fake 'sorry we missed you' card is left at your door asking you to call a premium-rate number or visit a website to arrange redelivery, charging high call fees or phishing your details.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Delivery impersonation (physical card)
Main red flag
A delivery card with an unfamiliar premium number or website to arrange redelivery.
What to do first
Do not call the number; check the parcel via the courier's official tracking.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, a fake 'sorry we missed you' card is left at your door asking you to call a premium-rate number or visit a website to arrange redelivery, charging high call fees or phishing your details.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: A card reads, 'We missed you. To rearrange delivery call 09XX XXX XXXX,' a premium-rate line, or visit a non-official website that asks for payment.

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • A card with a premium-rate phone number
  • A website that is not the courier's official site
  • No tracking number or order you recognise
  • A request for payment or details to redeliver
  • Generic branding with no specific sender

What to do

  • Use the courier's official tracking and contact details
  • Verify any delivery with the retailer you ordered from
  • Avoid calling premium-rate numbers on unexpected cards
  • Report the fake card to the courier

If you already clicked or replied

  • Hang up if you called a premium number and check your phone bill
  • If you entered details online, treat it as phishing and secure those accounts
  • Contact your bank if you paid or shared card details
  • Report the fake card and any site

What not to do

  • Do not call premium-rate numbers on delivery cards
  • Do not pay redelivery fees through an unofficial site
  • Do not assume the card is genuine without checking

Similar scams

High risk Delivery

Fake Customs Fee Text

This scam texts that a parcel is held in customs and a fee is due, linking to a fake page that collects your card and personal details.
High risk Delivery

Fake Delivery Text Scam

This scam impersonates a courier with a missed-delivery text and a link to a fake page that asks for a fee or your personal and card details.
High risk Delivery

Address Confirmation Delivery Scam

This scam claims a parcel cannot be delivered until you 'confirm' or 'update' your address through a link, which leads to a page that collects your personal details and sometimes a small card payment.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check a 'missed delivery' card?
Use the courier's official tracking and contact details, and confirm with the retailer you ordered from, rather than calling a number printed on the card.
Why a premium-rate number?
Calls to premium lines generate money for the scammer through high per-minute charges, sometimes while keeping you on hold.
I called the number. What now?
Hang up, check your phone bill, and if you shared card or personal details, contact your bank and secure those accounts.
Are all delivery cards fake?
No, but verify through official channels. Premium numbers, non-official sites, and requests for payment are warning signs.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.