Scam Mail Fraud

Scam Mail Fraud: Protecting UK Residents from Postal Deception

 

Scam mail fraud continues to be a significant problem in the UK, targeting vulnerable individuals through deceptive letters and packages. This type of fraud often preys on the elderly or isolated, costing victims millions of pounds annually.

 

Common types of scam mail include:

  1. Fake lottery or prize draw wins
  2. Bogus psychic or clairvoyant services
  3. Fraudulent investment opportunities
  4. Counterfeit charities seeking donations
  5. Phoney inheritance notifications

 

Red flags to watch for:

• Unsolicited letters claiming you've won a prize
• Requests for upfront fees to claim winnings
• Pressure to keep correspondence secret
• Poor grammar and spelling errors
• Foreign postmarks on UK-focused offers

 

To protect yourself and loved ones:

  1. Never respond to unsolicited mail asking for money or personal information
  2. Research any company or charity before engaging
  3. Discuss suspicious mail with trusted friends or family
  4. Register with the Mail Preference Service to reduce unwanted mail
  5. Report suspected scam mail to Royal Mail and Action Fraud

 

If you suspect someone is a victim:

• Talk to them about the dangers of scam mail
• Help them sort through their post
• Encourage them to report suspicious items
• Consider contacting their bank if financial abuse is suspected

 

Remember, legitimate prize draws never require payment to claim winnings. Be especially vigilant if an elderly relative receives large amounts of mail or seems secretive about their correspondence.

By staying informed and vigilant, we can help protect ourselves and our communities from the financial and emotional harm caused by scam mail fraud. If you suspect you've been targeted, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via their website.