Someone's at the Door Claiming to Be a Courier — What to Actually Do
Following recent arrests over doorstep courier fraud, this guide covers exactly what a genuine delivery does and doesn't ask of you, and the simple steps to take if someone at your door asks for money or your bank card.
Software for Seniors
9/22/20262 min read
The one rule that covers almost every version of this scam
However the story is dressed up — a customs charge, a re-delivery fee, a problem with an order — a real courier or delivery company will never ask you to hand over cash, a bank card, or a PIN at your doorstep. Payment for genuine deliveries is arranged in advance, online, or through the company's own official app or website, never in person at the point of delivery.
If someone asks for any of these things at your door, that single fact tells you everything you need to know, regardless of how convincing their uniform, van, or paperwork looks.
What to do in the moment
Don't hand over anything — no cash, no card, no PIN, even temporarily
Ask for identification, and if you can, note their name, the company they claim to represent, and their vehicle registration
Close the door. There's no obligation to keep talking or to explain yourself
Call the delivery company directly, using a phone number from their official website or a past order confirmation — never a number the caller gives you
If the company confirms no delivery was scheduled, or anything still feels wrong, contact 101 (police, non-emergency) or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040
A few extra things worth knowing
Genuine couriers rarely need anything beyond a signature or a simple confirmation you're the right recipient
If you weren't expecting a delivery at all, that's itself a reason to be cautious before opening the door fully
It's completely fine to keep a chain or door limiter on while you check someone's identity
No need to feel embarrassed either way
If you've ever handed something over in a moment like this, you're far from alone — these scams are specifically designed to create pressure and urgency in the moment, which is exactly what makes them effective even on careful, sensible people. Reporting it promptly to your bank and Action Fraud is the right next step, not something to feel ashamed of.
A calm plan beats a rushed decision
The whole point of doorstep pressure tactics is to stop you thinking clearly. Having these steps decided in advance — before anyone's ever at your door — means you don't have to work them out under pressure.
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