Postal scams

Postal scams are letters sent to you directly that are addressed to you by name. They are often very persuasive and are designed to trick you out of your money. The letters look legitimate and may include barcodes and ID numbers, but there will always be a catch, such as an upfront administration fee or a premium-rate phone number that you must call to receive your offer.

Top tips to spot a postal scam

• You’ve been told you’ve won something in a raffle, prize draw, or competition that you don’t remember entering.
• You’re asked to pay a fee up-front to receive your winnings or prize.
• The letter contains spelling mistakes or grammatical errors.
• You receive letters or catalogues from a company that you have had no contact with.
• You’re being asked to send money.
• You’re being asked to send personal information.

Top tips to avoid a postal scam

• If you didn’t enter a lottery, raffle, or competition, throw the letter away.
• Remember that legitimate organisations and businesses do not ask for money upfront.
• Throw away any letters claiming to be from legitimate businesses and organisations that contain spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
• Throw away any catalogues and letters from companies that you have had no contact with.
• Check with caution any letters purporting to be from “official” agencies such as the DVLA or HMRC either offering or demanding money. The official websites for these organisations often provide examples of current scam letters.