Should you accept parcels not addressed to you?

As part of our on-going scam and fraud awareness activity, we’re making you aware that you should not accept delivery of parcels that are not clearly addressed to you or your household.

Why this is important

Accepting parcels that are not meant for you can unintentionally involve you in criminal activity or expose you to risk. In some cases, individuals and addresses are used without consent as part of organised fraud or delivery scams.

Key risks include:

• Personal safety risks – Unknown parcels may contain unknown items.
• Fraud and scam involvement – Criminals may use “parcel mule” tactics to move goods and avoid detection.
• Legal implications – Accepting or forwarding parcels may make it appear that you are responsible for them.
• Privacy concerns – Handling mail not intended for you may breach postal or data protection rules.

What you should do

• If asked to accept a parcel: Politely decline if it is not clearly addressed to you or your household.
• If a parcel is left with you by mistake: Do not open it. Contact the delivery company to arrange return or collection.
• If this happens repeatedly: Mark the parcel “Not known at this address” and report the issue to the courier or retailer.

Warning signs to watch for

• Parcels arriving for unfamiliar names.
• Requests to store, forward, or redirect parcels.
• Offers of money or favours in exchange for accepting deliveries.
• Parcels arriving from overseas with no clear sender.
• Anyone offering money or favours for accepting deliveries

Remember

If you are unsure, do not accept the parcel. Refusing delivery or returning it to the courier is the best action.

If you have any concerns or believe activity may be suspicious, you can report it to us:

• By calling our Force Control Room via 101
• By telling us about concerns via the 'Tell us about' section of our website: https://www.lincs.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/
• Or anonymously, via the Crimestoppers website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously

Always call 999 in an emergency.