The messages claim that a parcel has been ‘detained’ by the Royal Mail and asks the recipient to fill out a form. Another message claims you have a tracked item awaiting collection. This email contains a virus that might compromise personal information if the email is opened.
The Royal Mail is aware of these and other scam emails and provide advice at their website www.royalmail.com. Many look bona fides and may use a replica or their official logo. Public Protection and Safety Councillor Tim Stevens warns: “At this time of year we must all be on our guard against fraudsters trying to obtain personal information through clever and carefully prepared emails, texts and letters. Unless you are certain who or where they have come from just ignore or delete the request.”
The advice issued by the Royal Mail is as follows:
- Royal Mail will never send you an email asking for credit card numbers or other personal or confidential information.
- Royal Mail will never ask you to enter information on a page that isn’t part of their website.
- Royal Mail will never include attachments unless the email was solicited by you and sent from a recognised member of Royal Mail staff.
For further advice on scams Trading Standards advise contacting ‘Action Fraud’ on 0300 123 2040 or visit their website at www.actionfraud.police.uk
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