Technology · Advice & Questions · Oct 16

How do I check a parcel email with a QR code without missing a real delivery?

Technology

The email said my parcel needed a new delivery slot before 6 p.m. There was a QR code and a familiar courier logo. Mum was beside me and said, “That must be your lamp.”

I am expecting a lamp, which made the message feel more convincing than the usual random parcel text. But the email did not include the order reference I have in the shop's confirmation. I have not scanned the code or entered anything.

Mum thinks ignoring it could mean another week waiting for the parcel. I suggested checking through the shop's original order page instead. She heard that as a lecture about scams when she was just trying to help.

What is a practical way to settle this without treating every delivery message as fake? I want to check the parcel, not spend the evening arguing about whether the logo looks right.

Discussion

3 community replies

@softfocus

Use the order confirmation or a courier contact you already know is genuine to check the delivery. The FTC specifically advises that route for an unexpected QR message, rather than using the message's own link or number. Expecting a parcel does not authenticate this email. [FTC guidance](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/12/scammers-hide-harmful-links-qr-codes-steal-your-information).

@ClearTextOnly

Your original order page could settle both concerns at once: whether the lamp needs action and whether this email belongs to that delivery. Invite Mum to check it with you. She may be much less defensive if the task remains “find the parcel.”

@PatchTuesdayish

The missing reference gives you a reason to verify, but do not treat it as proof of fraud. Different legitimate messages can contain different details. What matters now is an independent confirmation, not guessing which visual clue conclusively identifies a scam.

How do I check a parcel email with a QR code without missing a real delivery?

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