Two Cities MP, Nickie Aiken, highlighted the need to be vigilant when receiving communication reporting to be from Royal Mail.
Scam messages and emails can be sent to [email protected], and an automated response with suggested next steps will be given.
Nickie received the following information from Royal Mail, introducing their "Stamp Out Scams" campaign, which she encourages you to read:
We have today launched a new online campaign “Stamp Out Scams” to keep Royal Mail customers safe from scammers who seek to commit crime using the Royal Mail brand.
Last month eight people were arrested under suspicion of carrying out scams targeting Royal Mail customers. We have been collaborating with a number of law enforcement agencies which led to these arrests. In addition, some 30,000 websites linked with fraudulent activity have been taken down. We continue to work closely with law enforcement organisations to provide as much intelligence as we can to bring an end to these scams.
The “Stamp Out Scams” campaign provides Royal Mail customers valuable information on how to spot scams, as well as tips on how to report them. At the heart of the campaign is a video hosted by a Royal Mail postwoman on how customers can differentiate between real - and fake - messages from Royal Mail.
We want the public to be aware that we only send email and text notifications when the customer has requested tracking. We will only ask the recipient to make a payment by email or text when a customs charge is due. In such cases, the recipient will also receive a “Fee to pay” card through the door. We also leave a “Fee to pay” card for unpaid or underpaid postage. We are committed to do all we can to protect customers from unscrupulous fraudsters who use the trusted Royal Mail brand to extract money from people.
We have also updated customer guidance on our websites. Customers can report scams much more easily by emailing [email protected]. This is a much-simplified process and provides an automated response which includes suggested next steps.
