Potential new parcel claim scam – Think before you act and don’t get caught out

The OFT is warning the public about a potential new parcel claim scam.

You should contact the OFT for advice if you receive an airmail-type postcard stating that a parcel containing jewellery is being held in your name.

Fraudsters operating parcel claim scams are basically after your debit or credit card details so anyone who receives one of these postcards should NOT call the number on the postcard before having a word with a Consumer Adviser at the OFT.

Please warn your friends and neighbours about this potential scam.

John Peet, Chief Inspector of Trading Standards, says:

“This has all the hallmarks of a potential scam. Victims of this type of scam believe that they will receive some jewellery even though they haven’t ordered anything. The fraudsters ask for a processing fee or similar up front before the parcel can be released and obtain your card details when you pay this fee. The parcel may never arrive. If it does, which is highly unlikely, it will probably contain some worthless item of jewellery or some other worthless item.”

“The fraudsters will not hesitate to use your card details to fund other fraudulent transactions.”

“We work closely with IOM Post Office to make the public aware of potential scams. Unfortunately, except in specific circumstances not applicable in this case, the IOM Post Office is legally obliged to deliver the post.”

Further information and advice on ‘Scams’ can be found under the ‘Consumer Advice’ section on the OFT’s website https://www.gov.im/oft or by calling the Office on 686500.

Action Fraud’s website http://www.actionfraud.police.uk is also an excellent source of information about the many different types of scams and how to avoid them.