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Avoiding Mail Scams

There are many different types of mail scams with new ones appearing regularly. There are too many to over independently. By they all have at least one thing in common. That is to con as much money out of their victim as possible.

In many cases, scam mail is very believable. This is because scammers use modern techniques to produce high quality and personal letters. Like many other scams they aim at the most vulnerable. Exploiting a person's personal circumstances and vulnerabilities to aid their ill-gotten gains.

Although there are many different ypes of scam mail. There are common characteristics to help check if the letter is a scam. Below is a list of the main ways to spot a scam:

  • You have received the letter out of the blue

  • You have won a high value prize or cash for a competition you have never entered

  • You're told to keep the letter a secret

  • You're asked to make an advanced payment to get your prize

  • You're asked to give personal details or passwords

  • You're required to act fast to avoid disappointment

  • The originating and return addresses are often outside of the UK. Places like Belgium, the Netherlands and Ireland. Sometimes further afield places like Australia and the US

  • Above all, it sounds too good to be true!

How to avoid falling victim to scam mail

Never respond to unsolicited letters which ask for money to get a prize/cash. If you're unsure always ask a friend or family member for a second opinion. If you get a suspicious letter that you blieve to be a scam. Report it to Action Fraud by phone on 0300 1123 2040. Or, on their website https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

If you want to check mail you have received. Please do not hesitate to contact Hartlepool Trading Standards on 01429 523352.

Always remember to shred any mail before you bin it. As it will contain personal details, like your name and address.

Do not reply even if it is to say stop

Never respond to scam mail even if it is to say stop. Your name will be put on a list of scam targets (suckers list). Which means you will get even more scam mail.

Junk Mail

Junk mail is unsolicited mail which advertises products and services. Although it is technically not scam mail it can still be quite annoying. To help reduce junk mail. Remember to check the 'opt out of avertising mail' box when shopping online. You can also add your address to the Mailing Preference Service to reduce it.

The Mailing Preference Service (MPS)

The Mailing Preference Service is a free service. It helps people remove their names and addresses from mailing lists by advertisers.

In simple terms, MPS should reduce mail from members of the Direct Marketing Association. Stopping unsolicited mail from companies which are not members of the DMA. Unfortunately, the MPS cannot stop:

  • Mail sent from overseas

  • Mail addressed to the occupier

  • Non-addressed material from takeaways

All of which get delivered by hand.