Hermes Scam Texts: How to Spot a Fake Parcel Text (UK)
Scammers are sending fake Hermes delivery texts to thousands of UK residents—here's exactly how to spot them and stay safe.
What a fake Hermes text looks like
A Hermes parcel scam text is a smishing message that uses the courier's old name so you tap a link and hand over card or personal details. An example of the style is: Hermes: We could not deliver your parcel. Pay the £1.45 redelivery fee here: hermes-redelivery.example.
The hook is usually a small redelivery, release, or address-check fee. The link opens a fake courier page that captures whatever you enter. This guide shows how to spot the fake, check your parcel safely, and report it.
Hermes is now Evri - and why the scam still works
Evri launched in March 2022 after Hermes UK rebranded. The old name still appears in scam texts because many people recognise it, and our Evri Scam Texts: How to Spot a Fake Parcel Text (UK) guide covers the same scam under the current brand.
Evri says it may contact customers by email or text to say a parcel is in its network, and that a genuine text may include a tracking link to Evri.com. It also says its text messages will only come from Evri, will only ever send a tracking link, will never ask you to reschedule a delivery or ask for payment to do so, and will never prompt you to install an app.
That means a text still using the Hermes name should be treated with extra caution. Check through the Evri app, evri.com, or the retailer you ordered from.
Signs a Hermes or Evri parcel text is a scam
- It asks you to pay a small fee to redeliver, reschedule, release, or confirm a parcel.
- It asks you to reply with a letter such as
Yso a link can be opened. - The link is not a direct Evri tracking link on
evri.com, or it uses a lookalike or shortened address. - It asks for card details, bank details, personal information, or a security code.
- It tells you to install an app or download a file.
- It pressures you with a deadline before the parcel is returned.
- You were not expecting a parcel, or the tracking number does not match anything you ordered.
- Spelling and spacing errors can be clues, but a polished text can still be a scam.
How the parcel-fee scam works
First, a text claims a delivery failed or a small fee is due. Second, it pushes you to a link to pay, reschedule, or confirm your address. Third, the link opens a fake courier page that asks for your address and card details. Fourth, the criminals capture what you enter.
The first payment may be small, but the card and personal details can be used for larger fraud. Some victims are then contacted by someone pretending to be their bank about the payment. Do not continue that call; hang up and contact the bank yourself using a trusted number.
How to check a parcel text safely
Do not tap the link or call a number from the text.
- Open the official Evri app or type
evri.cominto your browser yourself. - Use a tracking link from the retailer you ordered from if you have one.
- Remember that Hermes deliveries are now handled under the Evri brand.
If the text asks for payment to reschedule a delivery, asks you to install an app, or asks for card or bank details, treat it as a scam. When you are unsure whether a linked site is a copycat, our guide on Is This Website a Scam? A Practical Checklist Before You Buy walks through the checks.
If you paid or shared card details
Contact your bank or card issuer immediately using the number on the back of your card. Tell them it was a scam, ask them to stop the card if needed, and ask about disputing the transaction. A card payment may be recoverable through chargeback, depending on the circumstances and card scheme rules.
If you sent money by UK bank transfer on or after 7 October 2024, mandatory APP fraud reimbursement rules may apply to Faster Payments and CHAPS transfers. The PSR rules include a 13-month claim window, a maximum claim amount of £85,000, possible exclusions, and a possible excess of up to £100. Report the scam to your bank as soon as possible and keep evidence.
If you shared personal details, consider Cifas Protective Registration at cifas.org.uk and monitor your credit reports with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Keep the text, screenshots, payment receipts, and any website address you used.
How to report a Hermes or Evri scam text (UK)
Forward the text to 7726. The NCSC says most UK phone providers let customers report suspicious texts for free this way, so the provider can investigate.
If the suspicious message mentions Hermes or Evri, use the reporting options on Evri's cyber-security page so Evri can investigate and work with partners to take down fraudulent websites. If a similar scam arrived by email, forward it to the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk.
If you lost money, shared sensitive information, or were hacked, report it to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040 if you are in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland on 101.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hermes still going, or is it Evri now?
Evri launched in March 2022 after Hermes UK rebranded. Treat a Hermes or Evri delivery text the same way: do not tap payment links; check through the official Evri app or evri.com.
Does Hermes or Evri charge a redelivery fee by text?
Evri says its text messages will never ask you to reschedule a delivery or ask for payment to do so. It says genuine Evri texts only send a tracking link to Evri.com.
I paid the fee - can I get my money back?
Possibly. Contact your bank or card issuer straight away using the number on your card, report it as a scam, and ask them to stop the card and dispute the payment. Watch for follow-up calls pretending to be from your bank.
I tapped the link but did not pay - am I at risk?
The risk is lower than if you entered details, but do not continue. Close the page, do not download anything, and run a security scan if the site prompted a download. If you typed card or personal details, treat them as compromised and contact your bank.
How do I report a Hermes scam text?
Forward it to 7726. If the message mentions Hermes or Evri, also use Evri's cyber-security reporting route. If you lost money or shared sensitive details, report it to Report Fraud in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, or to Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland.