Avoiding Mail Scams

Some letters are fake. They are made to trick people and take their money. These are called scam letters.

What scam letters look like:

• You get the letter without asking for it.

• It says you won money or a prize — but you didn’t enter anything.

• It tells you to keep it secret.

• It asks you to pay money to get your prize.

• It asks for your personal details or passwords.

• It says you must act fast.

• The address is from another country (like Belgium or the USA).

• It sounds too good to be true.

What to do:

• Do not reply to scam letters.

• Do not send money or give your details.

• Ask someone you trust (like a friend or family member) if you're not sure.

• Report it to Action Fraud:

Call: 0300 123 2040

Website: actionfraud.police.uk

• Call Hartlepool Trading Standards if you need help:

Call: 01429 523352

• Shred the letter before you throw it away.

Junk Mail

Junk mail is mail you didn’t ask for. It tries to sell you things. It’s not a scam, but it can be annoying.

To get less junk mail:

• Tick the box that says “no advertising mail” when shopping online.

• Sign up for the Mailing Preference Service (MPS). It helps stop some junk mail.

Note: MPS can’t stop:

• Mail from other countries

• Mail that says “To the occupier”

• Flyers from takeaways