Newspaper bargain advert scam warning
Scammers want your credit card details
Friday, 12, Jun 2009 12:05
Fraudsters are targeting consumers' debit and credit card details through parcel delivery scams, police have warned.
Cards from a company calling themselves 'Parcel Express UK' are being posted through random front doors telling the householder that they have missed delivery of a parcel.
The recipient is asked to phone a number and pay for a customs charge of the product by credit or debit card - but the parcel fails to arrive and the details are later used fraudulently.
Police are also advising consumers not to reply to adverts placed in local and national press by a company claiming to sell high value electrical goods at reduced prices.
Customers are asked pay or transfer cash into a bank account, but the purchases never arrive.
Detective chief superintendent Steve Head, head of the economic crime directorate at the City of London Police, said: "We are at an early stage, however it is evident victims have been duped by bogus advertisements for reduced price goods, placed in trusted newspapers and national magazines.
"Our advice to people is this: only ever part with your financial details to a known and trusted company. Likewise if an approach for delivery of a parcel is unexpected or unsolicited, be wary, question the reasons why and take time out to consider the validity of the request."
The adverts have been placed in local papers and magazines nationwide under a variety of names including Arash Ltd, The Gadget Company, Gadget Limited, Office Bits Warehouse, Office Supplies Cabin and Office Brands Megastore.
The only contact details are telephone and fax numbers and occasionally an email address that is based on the URL @easymailorders.com.
If you suspect you have been a victim of this crime, report it to the City of London Police.