A scam phone calls and emails discussion.

[Mcr Warrior]

Alternatively any likelihood that they might be genuine?

Evrii chance it's 100% a scam.

 

[Stan63]

I've had several texts recently from unknown 07xxx numbers claiming to be Evri with a parcel for me, but needing me to log into a website to "update my location". The website addresses are variations on "evri-serve" or "evrii-service" (with the double i).

I'm not expecting a parcel via Evri and my assumption is that they're scams, but are they widespread at the moment, and are others getting them? Alternatively any likelihood that they might be genuine?

I had the same recently. I just block them straight away.

Stan

 

[gg1]

I've had several texts recently from unknown 07xxx numbers claiming to be Evri with a parcel for me, but needing me to log into a website to "update my location". The website addresses are variations on "evri-serve" or "evrii-service" (with the double i).

I'm not expecting a parcel via Evri and my assumption is that they're scams, but are they widespread at the moment, and are others getting them? Alternatively any likelihood that they might be genuine?

My wife's had quite a few of these the past few weeks, as scam texts go they do come across as more convincing than most, I suspect some people have been caught out.

 

[3141]

I've had several texts recently from unknown 07xxx numbers claiming to be Evri with a parcel for me, but needing me to log into a website to "update my location". The website addresses are variations on "evri-serve" or "evrii-service" (with the double i).

I'm not expecting a parcel via Evri and my assumption is that they're scams, but are they widespread at the moment, and are others getting them? Alternatively any likelihood that they might be genuine?

My guess is that they are scams, especially if on one of them the name "evri" is mis-spelt. I very much doubt there is a need to update your location. The sender had it and used it to address the parcel (if there was one); why should Evri, who are contracted to deliver it there, need it to be updated?

I haven't had that particular scam, but I quite often get emails from "Royal Mail" saying they tried to deliver something but I wasn't in, so they need me to contact them to arrange a date for a further attempt. The message ends with a spelling mistake.

 

[Gloster]

The message ends with a spelling mistake.

I am afraid that such is the level of (il)literacy nowadays that I would not take a spelling mistake as proof of anything.

 

[jmh59]

Over the past few weeks the number of calls we got increased quite a bit, to the extent that I was ignoring 5 or more calls per day, all from unrecognised numbers. But since we upgraded our broadband we no longer have a landline and I only ever answer calls on the mobile to numbers in my contacts, and all spam texts get reported. Of course I missed a trick, I could have answered all the calls the day before the upgrade and insist I am very interested and can they ring back tomorrow!

 

[mike57]

But since we upgraded our broadband we no longer have a landline

We binned our landline about a year ago. Call screening is much easier on a mobile, on my Samsung Galaxy all incoming calls from numbers not in my contacts are checked against a central database, and if its a legit company details are shown with the number, or it may say 'Suspected Spam' or worse 'Possible Fraud' with an angry red backgound. Withheld numbers are also declined automatically by the phone.

'Landlines' are dying out now, older people still use them but most people just use their mobile for voice calls. The copper analogue voice network is being phased out anyway even if you have a 'landline' under the hood it will VoIP as the POTS service is withdrawn.

You have to be very careful with scam email addresses and web addresses, there are also cases where the Latin a is being replaced by the cryilic а which is a different letter and equates to a different URL.

Really if you gat a message and are expecting something you are best going to Google and searching the required business web site and re-scheduling or whatever from there. Never use a link in a message.

 

[Benters]

I've had several texts recently from unknown 07xxx numbers claiming to be Evri with a parcel for me, but needing me to log into a website to "update my location". The website addresses are variations on "evri-serve" or "evrii-service" (with the double i).

I'm not expecting a parcel via Evri and my assumption is that they're scams, but are they widespread at the moment, and are others getting them? Alternatively any likelihood that they might be genuine?

I got a text purporting to be from Evri on an 07xxx number the other day. Could tell it was not genuine as it had the scammer's hallmark of not personally mentioning me by name, plus I wasn't expecting a delivery from anyone, including Evri. Reported it as a scam the added the number to the barred list on my mobile.

 

[DelW]

My guess is that they are scams, especially if on one of them the name "evri" is mis-spelt. I very much doubt there is a need to update your location. The sender had it and used it to address the parcel (if there was one); why should Evri, who are contracted to deliver it there, need it to be updated?

I can't check as I've deleted them, but the text (which varied a bit) referred to their having an incomplete address. However if that was genuinely the case, I'd have expected them to contact the sender not the recipient.

I got a text purporting to be from Evri on an 07xxx number the other day. Could tell it was not genuine as it had the scammer's hallmark of not personally mentioning me by name, plus I wasn't expecting a delivery from anyone, including Evri. Reported it as a scam the added the number to the barred list on my mobile.

By chance in among these was a text message from DPD advising me of the delivery time for an unexpected (but genuine) parcel. That didn't mention me by name either, though it didn't matter as I didn't have to take any action other than being at home at the relevant time. It did also show as coming from DPD rather than a random 07xxx number though I wouldn't be surprised if that can be spoofed as well if the scammers are sufficiently adept.

Thanks to those above who confirmed they've had them too, I'll continue to ignore, delete, block etc.

 

[StoneRoad]

Been getting a few calls from the "telephone refund department" - usually, but not always BT or Sky - in recent weeks.

[Makes a change from the service contracts for domestic appliances].

Depending on how much time I have available, I sometimes entertain myself by playing along and winding them up, more usually, they just get told to "buzz orf" ...

 

[contrex]

I've had several texts recently from unknown 07xxx numbers claiming to be Evri with a parcel for me, but needing me to log into a website to "update my location". The website addresses are variations on "evri-serve" or "evrii-service" (with the double i).

I'm not expecting a parcel via Evri and my assumption is that they're scams, but are they widespread at the moment, and are others getting them? Alternatively any likelihood that they might be genuine?

Not genuine. Happened to me last week. My message said the packaging had been damaged and the address was unreadable. The site the message linked to asked me to supply my name & address. I twigged when the site then asked for £0.27 'delivery fee' and popped up a card payment screen. I had only three days before had an item lost by Evri, so up until that point I was all unaware.

 

[Acey]

I've had several texts recently from unknown 07xxx numbers claiming to be Evri with a parcel for me, but needing me to log into a website to "update my location". The website addresses are variations on "evri-serve" or "evrii-service" (with the double i).

I'm not expecting a parcel via Evri and my assumption is that they're scams, but are they widespread at the moment, and are others getting them? Alternatively any likelihood that they might be genuine?

I had one yesterday,just deleted it ,as like you I'm not expecting anything !

 

[Howardh]

I've had several texts recently from unknown 07xxx numbers claiming to be Evri with a parcel for me, but needing me to log into a website to "update my location". The website addresses are variations on "evri-serve" or "evrii-service" (with the double i).

I'm not expecting a parcel via Evri and my assumption is that they're scams, but are they widespread at the moment, and are others getting them? Alternatively any likelihood that they might be genuine?

Usually get a load of those in my spam folder with various delivery names, all which can be safely ignored.

If you are expecting a delivery, there's usually a delivery code with the genuine e-mail/receipt sent from the company you ordered from and you can track it from there. In my experience often you get updated anyway (your parcel will be delivered between xx an yy) and never "we require your payment details etc"!!

 

[3141]

I am afraid that such is the level of (il)literacy nowadays that I would not take a spelling mistake as proof of anything.

Perhaps that should appear in the "You know you're getting old when..." thread!

I agree with you, but a spelling mistake in a communication that already looks questionable is probably an additional cause for suspicion.

 

[DelW]

Perhaps that should appear in the "You know you're getting old when..." thread!

I agree with you, but a spelling mistake in a communication that already looks questionable is probably an additional cause for suspicion.

Particularly when it involves misspelling the company's own name in a supposed web address.

 

[najaB]

Alternatively any likelihood that they might be genuine?

If you're not expecting a parcel, and the link doesn't go directly to Evri's website - I'd say about zero percent chance that they're geniune!

 

[DelW]

If you're not expecting a parcel, and the link doesn't go directly to Evri's website - I'd say about zero percent chance that they're geniune!

Agreed, but unfortunately quite a number of genuine companies do use variations on their website identities, which makes it harder to be sure. A year or two ago, Three (of which I'm a customer) made major updates needing me to revalidate account details, reset passwords and the like, but the web addresses for these changes weren't the basic three(dot)co(dot)uk, but something along the lines of three-update(dot)co(dot)uk. When real companies do this it makes it harder to be certain about possible scams.

And, almost certainly coincidentally, the first message I received recently was around the date of my birthday, when I did receive an unexpected parcel from a family member, though via DPD not Evri.

 

[Jon_jpwh]

I've had several texts recently from unknown 07xxx numbers claiming to be Evri with a parcel for me, but needing me to log into a website to "update my location". The website addresses are variations on "evri-serve" or "evrii-service" (with the double i).

I'm not expecting a parcel via Evri and my assumption is that they're scams, but are they widespread at the moment, and are others getting them? Alternatively any likelihood that they might be genuine?

I have had two recently claiming to be from Evri. One on 16th July from a number in India about a damaged product and another on 12th August about damaged packaging. Both blocked.

 

[Eyersey468]

I've had several texts recently from unknown 07xxx numbers claiming to be Evri with a parcel for me, but needing me to log into a website to "update my location". The website addresses are variations on "evri-serve" or "evrii-service" (with the double i).

I'm not expecting a parcel via Evri and my assumption is that they're scams, but are they widespread at the moment, and are others getting them? Alternatively any likelihood that they might be genuine?

I've had a few lately, I simply block and report them

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

I am going through a time period of not receiving either email scams or telephone scams for quite a while now.

 

[najaB]

I am going through a time period of not receiving either email scams or telephone scams for quite a while now.

You do realise you've now jinxed it, right?

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

You do realise you've now jinxed it, right?

I just wonder if it is anything to do with the telephone call scammers being told they have contacted a branch of Action Fraud UK in the past when they have rang me?

 

[Bald Rick]

I am receivin, roughly twice a week, calls from numbers purporting to be in the USA - and from a random and varying set of locations within. I’m not answering them, although I have a secret desire to do so just to see what happens and how far I can take any real voice down the other end.

 

[Bevan Price]

I get occasional phone calls claiming to be from a "local energy advisor" (or similar). They don't seem to know my address, but they ask "do you own your house?" - presumably their next question would be to ask for details, but they hang up when I reply "That's my business".

 

[londonbridge]

I can't check as I've deleted them, but the text (which varied a bit) referred to their having an incomplete address. However if that was genuinely the case, I'd have expected them to contact the sender not the recipient.

I’ve had this one several times, it’s usually the packaging has been damaged and address has been lost. If they have no recipient details, where have they got the recipients phone number from to send the text to??

 

[AM9]

I am afraid that such is the level of (il)literacy nowadays that I would not take a spelling mistake as proof of anything.

The key with all those is if you do have a suspicionthat something has gone wrongwith a delivery you were expecting, never use the link but ring the normal enquiries line, preferably using a different phone line.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

I’ve had this one several times, it’s usually the packaging has been damaged and address has been lost. If they have no recipient details, where have they got the recipients phone number from to send the text to??

That's a very good question to ask them and see what their response is.

 

[dangie]

I often receive a scam call saying they can reduce my mobile phone contract down to £30/month. That’s wonderful I tell them as I only pay £7/month (Tesco Mobile).

The amusing thing is, is that his doesn’t stop them. They still rabbit on about saving me money. Being 73 years old with time to spare I let them carry on until something more interesting crops up then I end the call.

 

[swt_passenger]

I get occasional phone calls claiming to be from a "local energy advisor" (or similar). They don't seem to know my address, but they ask "do you own your house?" - presumably their next question would be to ask for details, but they hang up when I reply "That's my business".

I ask them how local they are. Then go into my problems with the small nuclear reactor in the cupboard under the stairs. For some reason they always hang up.

 

[John Webb]

There's been quite an increase in unwanted calls in the last few months on my landline. Beginning of 2024 there were about 10 a month. April saw 23, May 20 and June and July circa 28 each month.

None have disturbed me as they haven't got through as they don't pass the 'Call Guardian' system built into my phones. On looking them up at my leisure the vast majority have been energy/insulation scams of some sort.
Curiously there was a gap of 4 days at the end of last week; = holiday of some sort in the Indian sub-continent?

My mobile - a simple one - never seems to get unwanted calls or texts, on the other hand.