Fake Royal Mail ‘something for you’ missed delivery cards are being posted through letterboxes.
Normally they're given to people who have ordered goods and aren't home. It'll tell them how they can rearrange the delivery or which depot to collect the parcel from.
However, these devious cards will try and trick you out of your money. Here's what you need to know.
How it works
To organise a redelivery the victim is asked to call a 0208 number which, as you can imagine, is not registered to Royal Mail.
After phoning the number, an automated number will ask for your details and consignment number.
Victims who have been hit by the cruel scam have claimed that the call cost them eye-watering sums.
This is because scammers often redirect phone calls, leading people to premium rate numbers.
As you can see from the imag below, cards look like the real thing; the only thing missing is the Royal Mail logo.
Photo credit: Action Fraud
Cropping up again
Action Fraud says that ‘something for you’ cards come in a number of different guises.
In 2015, the fraud experts reported on a scam where postcards were being delivered through people’s doors, claiming that a parcel containing jewellery was waiting to be collected.
Cards looked a little something like this.
Photo credit: Action Fraud
And they read: “The office is attempting to reach you. To claim the parcel and accept this offer, you must telephone the number below immediately and arrange for delivery.
“The item is prepaid, but a processing and delivery fee of £10 must be remitted. This fee can be paid only by telephone and only with a credit card (VISA or MasterCard). This is your only notification.”
How to stay safe
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “The Royal Mail security team is looking into this incident as a matter of urgency. Customers should check delivery cards very carefully to ensure they are genuine and remain vigilant. Although this card is similar to one of our Something For You cards, the Royal Mail logo is crucially missing.
"Customers should also consider whether they are expecting a delivery from the company named on the card. If any customer thinks they have been a victim of fraud, they should contact Citizens Advice or Action Fraud for advice and guidance.”
Look out for other warning signs of a scam like incorrect spelling and grammar, pressure to act quickly and demanding your details, as seen in the 2015 example.
If you suspect that the card is dodgy, get in touch with Action Fraud through its online reporting tool or by ringing 0300 123 2040.
Think you might have fallen victim to ID fraud? Check your credit report for anything suspicious