Fraud

A parcel is on its way – but is it yours?

10-11-2025

Last year Postnord alone delivered millions of parcels during Black Week. There are numerous delivery companies and sometimes when you get a parcel from abroad, you need to pay customs duty. That’s why it’s important to stop and think carefully when you receive a text message claiming that your delivery is on its way.

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In recent years, there has been a sharp rise in fake text messages in Sweden, with scammers constantly refining their methods. They send mass texts hoping that some of the recipients will find them relevant. In many cases these message are poorly targeted, such as “Hi Mom” sent to a person without children, or “Dear Nordea customer” to someone who banks elsewhere. But if just one person is deceived and responds, the scammers succeed.

Phishing is like casting a wide net – scammers don’t know who will get caught and they just hope someone will take the bait.

Amalia Krantz, Nordea fraud expert.

Phishing attempts are more successful during periods when many people expect deliveries. This is because typical messages such as “You have a parcel waiting. Click the link below.” can appear relevant to more people during those periods.

Keep this in mind to stay in control:

Contact the delivery company directly if you’re expecting a parcel

When you receive a delivery text with a link, don’t click it. Instead, visit the delivery company’s official website or app to check the status of your parcel. Most major postal service providers have apps and websites where you can track your parcel and see when it’s ready for collection.

Taking an extra minute to find the company’s contact details or website yourself is the best way to avoid getting scammed.

To conclude, don’t click on links or call numbers in text messages. Instead, find out the number or website yourself to make sure.

Is this reasonable? Stop and think before you use your BankID or disclose any information

Scammers are often out to get your card details or make you use your BankID. They may claim that the parcel is at customs and you need to pay a duty or that it could not be delivered and they need to check all the information again.

Consider whether it’s reasonable for the parcel to pass through customs or if it really wasn’t possible to deliver the parcel. If you’re unsure, contact the company and investigate the matter before disclosing any information or using your BankID.

Three quick tips for safe parcel delivery:

1. Don’t use your BankID or provide card details when someone unknown contacts you

Scammers are usually out to get you to use your BankID or access your card details. Make sure that you’re absolutely certain about who you’re talking to before using your BankID, and never do so at the request of someone unknown to you.

2. Check carefully who the sender of the text message is

Check where the text message comes from. If this isn’t clear, you can assume that it’s a scam.

3. Don’t click on links or call phone numbers in messages

Instead, check the sender and visit their website or app to see if your parcel has arrived.

Spoofing – when a text message appears to come from someone you know

Scammers often use spoofing, where they mask the text message so it looks like it’s coming from another sender. It can even be grouped into an existing thread with a sender that you know and trust. So even though you only see one sender in the thread, you can’t trust this.

Before you act on any request, always verify that it really comes from the correct person/company. Do this by calling them using the number listed on the company’s official website.