Accrington Web - Parcel Scam

<http://www.lanpac.co.uk> Lancashire Partnership Against Crime
Lancashire Partnership Against Crime
Lancashire Constabulary HQ
PO Box 77
Hutton
Preston
Lancashire PR4 5SB
Telephone 01772 618733/618372

Dear Associate Member

Parcel Collection Scam Warning

Lancashire County Council Trading Standards Service is warning residents to
be on their guard for parcel collection cards that are being sent through
the post.

The card states that the recipient has an overseas parcel waiting for
delivery and is instructed to telephone 0906 661 0320 in order to arrange
collection. However, small print on the card states that the call is to a
premium rate telephone number charged at £1.50 per minute and can last for
up to 7 minutes.

The card is sent out by a business calling itself Parcel Plus.

Over the past few days Trading Standards has received three enquiries from
concerned Lancashire consumers regarding the card.

Jim Potts, Lancashire's Chief Trading Standards Officer, said:

"The cards look as though they originate from the Post Office or Royal Mail
but this is not the case. Recipients may telephone the number without fully
reading the card and realising that it is a premium rate number.

"It is not clear what will actually be sent, but I would expect the cost of
the telephone call to be more than the value of the parcel. I would advise
anyone receiving the card to think very carefully before responding to it."

For further information please contact: Martin Crabtree on 01772 533536,
[email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>

Kind Regards

Julie Parkinson
LANPAC Management Support Team

T. 01772 618372
F. 01772 618129
E. [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
W. www.lanpac.co.uk <http://www.lanpac.co.uk>

If you have information about people committing crime call Crimestoppers on
freephone 0800 555 111.