People waiting for parcels have been given a fresh warning about a scam that asks for payment so a package can be delivered.

The con involves a text message which claims a parcel is awaiting delivery by Royal Mail, as reported by the BBC.

Royal Mail said it would never send a text message like this and trading standards officers warned people not to click on a link - which connects to a copycat website run by fraudsters.

The text, claiming to be from Royal Mail, says "your Royal Mail parcel is awaiting delivery. Please confirm the settlement of 1.99 (GBP) on the following link".

It links to a website which looks like an official Royal Mail site. The page asks for personal and payment details, which scammers may use to steal someone's identity or target them with other scams.

Royal Mail said it would use a grey card instead to tell people if any fee was required.

Delivery scams have risen in recent months, due to the reliance on online shopping during the pandemic lockdowns.

Similar scams may use branding for other delivery companies like DPD or arrive via email or over the phone.