Royal mail redelivery scams
The Royal Mail redelivery scam is a type of phishing scam that targets individuals who have missed a delivery from Royal Mail. Here's how it typically works:
The Scam:
You receive a notification from Royal Mail stating that your package has been returned to the depot due to an incorrect address or other issue. The scammer then contacts you, claiming to be from Royal Mail, and informs you that they need to redeliver the package to you. They may ask for your personal and financial information, such as your credit card number, to "verify" your identity.
The Goal:
The scammer's goal is to steal your personal and financial information, which can be used for fraudulent activities, such as identity theft, credit card fraud, or online banking fraud.
How to Avoid Falling Victim:
To avoid falling victim to this scam, follow these steps:
- Verify the caller's identity: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Royal Mail, ask for their name, title, and contact information. Then, contact Royal Mail directly using their official contact number (03457 740 740) to verify the caller's identity.
- Be cautious of unsolicited calls: If you didn't initiate the call, be wary of unsolicited calls from someone claiming to be from Royal Mail. Legitimate companies will not contact you out of the blue asking for personal or financial information.
- Don't provide sensitive information: Never provide your personal or financial information to someone who contacts you unsolicited. Legitimate companies will not ask for this information over the phone.
- Check your account online: If you're concerned about a missed delivery, log in to your Royal Mail account online to check the status of your package. You can also contact Royal Mail directly using their official contact number.
- Report suspicious calls: If you receive a suspicious call, report it to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) or your local police force.
Additional Tips:
- Be aware of generic greetings, such as "Hello, is this [your name]?" Legitimate companies will usually address you by your name after verifying your identity.
- Be cautious of calls that create a sense of urgency, such as "Your package will be returned to the depot if you don't respond immediately."
- Don't trust caller ID or phone numbers that appear to be from Royal Mail. Scammers can spoof phone numbers to make them appear legitimate.
By being aware of these scams and taking the necessary precautions, you can protect yourself from falling victim to the Royal Mail redelivery scam.