Evri Scam Text Messages UK: How to Spot and Report Them
Evri scam texts are designed to look urgent and official—but they're fake delivery notices meant to steal your money and personal information.
What is this scam?
An Evri scam text is a fake SMS that impersonates Evri (formerly Hermes), the UK parcel delivery company. The text typically claims your package couldn't be delivered, requires payment, or needs you to confirm details. Scammers send thousands of these messages hoping some will reach people genuinely expecting a delivery. The text contains a link to a fake website that looks like Evri's genuine site. When you click the link and enter your details—name, address, payment card information, or login credentials—the scammers capture everything. These scams are extremely common in the UK because most people use delivery services regularly, making the message feel credible. The fake website is often removed within hours, making it harder for authorities to track the criminals behind it.
Warning signs to look for
- The sender is a number, not a business name. Genuine Evri alerts come from recognisable sources, not random digits.
- The text creates artificial urgency, such as 'Your parcel will be returned today' or 'Confirm your details now to avoid delay'.
- The link doesn't match Evri's real website address. Real Evri links start with 'evri.com' or 'myhermes.co.uk'—anything else is fake.
- Poor grammar or spelling. Legitimate Evri messages are professionally written; scam texts often contain errors.
- You didn't expect a delivery. If you haven't ordered anything recently, this is a major red flag.
- The text asks for sensitive information like full card details, passwords, or login codes. Evri will never ask for these via SMS.
- The URL is shortened or uses a suspicious domain. Look for 'bit.ly', 'tinyurl', or unfamiliar domain names.
- The message threatens to charge you a fee or claims customs duties are due. This is a common scam tactic to create panic.
How this scam works step by step
The scam begins when you receive a text that appears to be from Evri. The message sounds urgent and personal—it mentions a delivery failure, a fee, or a need to confirm your address. You're instructed to click a link 'immediately' to resolve the issue. When you click the link, you're taken to a fake website that copies Evri's genuine design so closely that most people don't notice the difference. The fake site asks you to log in with your email and password, or to enter your full name, address, phone number, and payment card details. As soon as you submit this information, the scammers have everything they need. They can use your card details to make fraudulent purchases, sell your personal data to other criminals, or attempt to access your email account to compromise other services. Some victims are also tricked into making a 'delivery fee' payment via bank transfer or card, losing money directly. The entire scam can be completed in minutes, and by the time you realise it's fake, the criminals have moved on to their next victims.
How to verify if it is genuine
First, do not click any link in the text. Instead, open your web browser and go directly to evri.com or myhermes.co.uk by typing the address yourself. Log into your account (if you have one) and check if there's a genuine message about your delivery. If you see no message about a failed delivery or fee, the text was a scam. Second, check the sender's number. Genuine Evri alerts are unlikely to come from a standard mobile number; they come from short codes or recognisable business identifiers. Third, contact Evri directly through their official phone number (you'll find this on your genuine parcel receipt or on their website—never use a number from the text message). Ask them directly if they sent you that message. Fourth, be cautious of any message asking for passwords, full card details, or login codes—Evri will never ask for these. For more help identifying fake websites, see our guide on /guides/is-this-website-a-scam/.
What to do if you have already interacted
Act quickly. If you clicked the link but didn't enter any information, you're probably safe—simply delete the text and do not engage further. If you entered your email address and password, change your password immediately for any account using that email, especially your bank and email provider. If you gave your payment card details, contact your bank right away and ask them to cancel that card and issue a replacement. Tell your bank that you believe your details were compromised by a phishing scam. Most UK banks can freeze transactions and reverse fraudulent charges if you report quickly. If you made a transfer payment, contact your bank immediately—they may be able to recall the money, though this is only possible within a short timeframe. If you provided your full personal details (address, phone, passport number), monitor your credit file through Experian, Equifax, or Clearscore for signs of identity fraud. Register with the National Fraud Database through Citizens Advice to get support. Do not send any follow-up messages to the scammers or the fake website.
Reporting this scam in the UK
Report the scam to Action Fraud, the UK's official fraud reporting centre, on 0300 123 2040 or online at actionfraud.police.uk. They will log your report and help identify patterns in scam activity. Forward the scam text to 7726 (which spells 'SPAM')—this alerts your mobile network provider to block similar messages in future. If the fake website is still active, report it to the NCSC Suspicious Email Reporting Service at report@phishing.gov.uk; include a screenshot of the URL and message. You can also contact Evri directly through their official website to alert them that scammers are impersonating their brand. If you've lost money or had your identity compromised, call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 for free, confidential support on next steps. Keep records of everything: the original text message, screenshots, the fake website URL, and any confirmation numbers from your bank. These will help authorities investigate and may be needed if you claim compensation.
Frequently asked questions
Is Evri a legitimate company or is everything from them a scam?
Evri is a real, legitimate UK parcel delivery company (formerly known as Hermes). However, scammers often impersonate them because people regularly use their services and trust messages about deliveries. The scam is in the fake text message pretending to be from Evri, not Evri itself. If you're unsure about a message, contact Evri directly using the official number on their website, never a number in the text.
What should I do if I've already sent money to the scammers?
Contact your bank immediately and tell them you've been scammed. If you sent money via bank transfer within the last few hours, your bank may be able to recall it, but you must act fast. If you paid by card or online payment service, ask for a chargeback. Report the fraud to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 so it's officially recorded. Keep all evidence of the scam (screenshots, texts, payment confirmations) as your bank will need these for their investigation.
What if I clicked the link and my details were taken, but I don't see any fraudulent activity yet?
Monitor your bank and email accounts closely over the next few weeks and months—fraud can take time to appear as scammers sell stolen data or wait to use it. Register your details with the National Fraud Database through Citizens Advice for protection and support. Consider placing a Cifas fraud alert on your credit file, which flags your details as at-risk and makes it harder for criminals to open accounts in your name. Check your credit report regularly through Experian or Clearscore for suspicious activity.
How do I report an Evri scam text to the authorities?
Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) to report it to your mobile network. Report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at actionfraud.police.uk with details of the message and any links. If the fake website is still active, report it to the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk. Providing this information helps authorities shut down fake websites and identify scammers targeting UK residents.