Raising awareness of the latest mail scams

Andy Berry, Spatial Globals mailing expert highlights the growing problem of physical mail scams

Physical mail scams used to trick you into giving away valuable personal information

With more people than ever using the internet for ecommerce, online banking and other everyday functions, the scammers are getting ever more devious in how to trick the unsuspecting into giving away valuable personal information.

Scammers focused on delivery of online Purchases

Scammers have focused their efforts on this area, as most people are receiving regular physical mail due to the lockdowns. Many millions of people rely on product deliveries, whether as a result of a personal online purchase or a gift sent to them via an ecommerce site whilst face to face visits are restricted.

The latest scam is one in which the Royal Mail appears to requests a shipping fee prior to delivery

The scam text message appears to be from Royal Mail but is actually sent by fraudsters. People have been sent a message claiming their parcel is awaiting delivery but a “settlement” must be paid first.  It asks the recipient to click on a link to pay the small amount, which is often £1.99 or £2.99. The message is sent by text and links to a cleverly constructed online form which looks like the Royal Mail (but this could be any courier or mail provider). When on the form, you’re asked for your personal details, just like making a typical ecommerce payment. The scammers can then use your personal details to either steal your identity, withdraw money from your account and/or sell your details on to other scammers.

“If you have any suspicions about a message related to mail, especially one requesting fees and directing you to a website then contact the mailing company directly to verify before you click any links or share details.”

 

 

Andy Berry, Commercial Manager Spatial Global