A police force is warning Christmas shoppers of a delivery scam that will con them out of money.

Hertfordshire Constabulary says it has received reports of scam text and email messages which appear to be from parcel delivery companies. 

The messages appear to be from couriers like DPD and Royal Mail, stating that they have tried to deliver a parcel and asking the victim to click a link to reschedule the delivery.

The link directs the victim to an authentic looking website, which asks for their full name, address, date of birth and mobile number, police said.

When the form is complete, people are then asked to enter full credit card details.

Detective Inspector Rob Burns, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Serious Fraud and Cyber Unit, said: “This scam is very convincing with Christmas a few weeks away and many people are shopping online and waiting for their orders to be delivered.

“It’s important to check the details in the messages and make sure it is genuinely related to an item you have ordered. Does the message use your name, rather than an email address? Does it mention the goods or company you have ordered items from? If in doubt do not click the link and contact the vendor directly via their website.

“Please help us to raise awareness by talking about this with your friends and family, especially if they are vulnerable or elderly.”

Anyone who believes they have been a victim of fraud can report it to Action Fraud  or call 0300 123 2040.