Local News
Don’t Get Caught Out By Parcel Scammers This Christmas
Residents across Redcar & Cleveland are being warned about a missed parcel scam that could see them landed with a phone bill of over £300.
Redcar & Cleveland’s Trading Standards Office has been alerted to the scam after a resident received a ‘sorry we missed you card’ through the door which said they had to contact a premium rate number. They were immediately charged £315 when they called the number and listened to the automated message.
With so many residents ordering parcels in the run up to Christmas, Trading Standards is urging residents to be cautious if they do receive a card through the door so they don’t become the target of opportunist conmen.
Residents should be aware of any cards purported to be coming from Parcel Delivery Service – PDS – asking them to call the following number: 0906 6611911.
If anyone does get a card with these details, they are urged to contact the Royal Mail fraud office on 020 7239 6655. Alternatively, you can speak to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06 for advice on avoiding and reporting scams.
Councillor Steven Goldswain, cabinet member for community safety at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “The fact that these unscrupulous conmen are targeting residents at Christmas is particularly galling. Many people will be spending a lot of money already giving their loved ones the Christmas they deserve so to be hit with a bill of £315 is a particularly cruel blow.
“I am full of praise for our Trading Standards Officers who have brought this scam to our attention early in the holiday season. Hopefully this speed will save more of our residents from the same charges.”
For more information, visit the Crime Stoppers website: http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/crime-prevention/helping-prevent-crime/scams/postal-delivery-scam.
