Medium riskDelivery & Postal Scams

Parcel Insurance Claim Scam

This scam messages that your parcel was lost or damaged and you can claim insurance compensation, linking to a page that collects your bank, card, and personal details to 'process the payout'.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Delivery impersonation (phishing)
Main red flag
A message offering parcel compensation that asks for bank details via a link.
What to do first
Do not click. Claim only through the retailer or courier's official process.

What this scam usually looks like

This scam messages that your parcel was lost or damaged and you can claim insurance compensation, linking to a page that collects your bank, card, and personal details to 'process the payout'.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Your parcel was damaged in transit. You are entitled to $80 compensation. Enter your bank details to receive your payout: [suspicious link]'

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

  • An unsolicited offer of parcel compensation
  • A request for bank or card details to 'receive' a payout
  • A link that is not the courier's or retailer's official site
  • A claim you did not initiate
  • Pressure to claim before a deadline

What to do

  • Claim through the retailer or courier's official process only
  • Verify any compensation directly with the company
  • Report the message as phishing and delete it
  • Never share bank details through a link

If you already clicked or replied

  • Do not enter bank or card details on the page
  • If you shared details, contact your bank to secure your account
  • Watch for unauthorised activity
  • Change passwords for any reused login

What not to do

  • Do not share bank details to claim compensation
  • Do not click links in unsolicited claim messages
  • Do not assume it is real because you await a parcel

Similar scams

Medium risk Online Shopping

Fake Tracking Update Scam

After placing an order, or sometimes out of nowhere, you receive an email or text styled as a retailer's own order-tracking update, often flagging a 'delivery exception' or 'parcel on hold'. A link leads to a page that mimics the shop's tracking area and asks for a small fee or your account login to 'release' the parcel. Unlike generic courier-impersonation texts, this version copies the retailer's branding and order flow, which can make a fake update look convincing if you are expecting a delivery.
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

Customs Duty Email Scam

This scam emails a fake customs or import duty notice claiming a parcel is held until you pay a fee, linking to a page that collects your card and personal details.

Frequently asked questions

Do couriers offer compensation by message link?
Genuine claims go through the retailer or courier's official process, not unsolicited messages asking for bank details via a link.
How do I claim for a lost or damaged parcel?
Contact the retailer you bought from or the courier through official channels and follow their genuine claims process.
I entered my bank details. What now?
Contact your bank to secure your account, watch for unauthorised activity, and change any reused passwords.
Why ask for my bank details?
The 'payout' is bait; the details are used for fraud. Legitimate compensation is processed through official channels you initiate.

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.