Postal scams
Common types of mail scams
- Lotteries
- Prize draw or sweepstakes
- Clairvoyants
- Romance
- Inheritance
- Investment and financial
- Debt collection
- Catalogues and brochures.
Modern technology means scam letters can be massed-produced and made to look like personal letters or important documents, to trick the recipient into sending cash, make money transfers or disclosing personal information.
Never send money, never give personal details and never buy goods to claim a prize or winnings. Criminals trick you with false promises of large cash winnings or prizes. They will urge you to hurry and send a fee before the prize can be sent. Your details will be shared with other criminals who also just want your money.
Protect yourself and others
- reduce personally addressed junk mail by registering for free with the Mail Preference Service (MPS) or call them on 0845 703 4599
- Royal Mail also has an opt out scheme where you can choose not to have materials put through the door.
- opt out of receiving charity appeal communications - The Fundraising Preference Service (FPS) is a website based service that can help members of the public control the communications they receive from charities. By registering your details with the FPS you can choose to stop email, telephone calls, addressed post and/or text messages directed to you personally from a selected charity or charities.
- or read our recognise, advise and get support for a scam victim guide (PDF, 1.2 MB)