Residents warned over postal scams (From Redditch Advertiser)

Residents warned over postal scams

4:41pm Friday 20th November 2009

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POLICE are reminding residents to be vigilant in the run up to Christmas after people have been tricked into calling premium rate numbers in postal scams in previous years.

Householders in the area and across the country had cards delivered through their doors saying that a parcel delivery company was unable to deliver a parcel at their address while they were out and that they should telephone the company to arrange collection or a new delivery time.

The number given was a premium rate number.

Pc Stan Baker, crime risk manager for Redditch and Bromsgrove, said: “As Christmas approaches, many people will have ordered presents on-line or may be expecting deliveries from family members living further afield, and so might fall more easily for a scam of this nature.

“We are warning people to be extra cautious at this time of year. Genuine mail and parcel delivery companies may leave a note through your door if they are unable to deliver but the numbers they ask you to call tend to be local.

“Be alert to any telephone numbers that start with 0871, 0872 or 090 as these are premium rate numbers and calling them can work out to be very costly, especially if you have to listen to a lengthy recorded message.”

Steve Birch, head of Trading Standards in Worcestershire, added: "We have received complaints of this nature in the past, with unsuspecting consumers running up significant phone bills at £1.50 a minute in response to these bogus demands.

“Clearly we would like anybody receiving these cards to be aware of the consequences of responding to them.

“We would also like any such incidents to be reported to us through Consumer Direct on 08454 040506."

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