We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
is this a scam? national mail fowarding service
mug51
Posts: 366 Forumite
I recieved a letter this morning addressed to 'The Occupier'.
In big, underlined bold text it says 'National Mail Fowarding Service'
The letter looks like the following:
The one thing that could make this letter look genuine is that there is a barcode to the lower right hand corner.
I don't really want to phone the number so that I don't let the scammers (if this is a scam) achieve what they set out to do.
So anyone know if theyve had anything like this before?
In big, underlined bold text it says 'National Mail Fowarding Service'
The letter looks like the following:
The Occupier
1 The Address
Somewhere
SO1 3RE
National Mail Fowarding Service
Delivery reference number **********
We have tried to make a delivery to your address. Please can you contact Sharon Graham on 0170 7852 173 qouting your post code address to enable us to make alternative delivery arrangements.
(Please note that this letter is addressed to the Occupier for you own personal confidentiality and security ensuring the delivery is made to the correct address).
If you do not contact us within 5 days items maybe returned to the sender.
Thank you
"Ensuring fast delivery all over the world"
The one thing that could make this letter look genuine is that there is a barcode to the lower right hand corner.
I don't really want to phone the number so that I don't let the scammers (if this is a scam) achieve what they set out to do.
So anyone know if theyve had anything like this before?
0
Comments
-
Can't find anything on Google...
Was the letter through the mail or just dropped through the letter-box. If mailed, was it stamped or franked? Are you expecting a delivery - presumably a letter needing a signature?
I have software somewhere for printing barcodes - you just need the right font.0 -
Don't know if it's any help but 01707 seems to be the Potters Bar area in Herts.
FWIW, "Ensuring fast delivery all over the world" is a really crap tagline for a proper business!
--
p.s. if you do ring them don't forget it's not just information like your bank details scammers ask you for - just asking 'what time will you be in for us to deliver it?' might be enough for you to get some unwanted visitors. Warning you, not scaring you - I've no idea if it's genuine!0 -
Is that your spelling mistake "National Mail Fowarding Service" or theirs?3.78 kWp PV SolarEdge with iBoost South facing.
30° pitch roof 4% shading. Installed 6th June 18.
Gloucester0 -
Could you try ringing from a phone box so they don't get your personal number and your call is anonymous? You could ask them what it is and if they refuse to tell you or say you need to pay them to release the package you can hang up safe in the knowledge that you are untracable. You don't even have to give them your full address. They should be able to trace your "parcel" with only your name and geographical area. If you are still not sure, explain to them your worries and confront them that you think it is a scam. I have done this before and strangely, they hung up....
Having said all that, it sounds to me like it is a scam and has some of the common features
1. No name on the letter, simply addressed "Dear occupier"
2. "(Please note that this letter is addressed to the Occupier for you own personal confidentiality and security ensuring the delivery is made to the correct address)" this screams "HONEST GUV" to me, Making excuses for not knowing your name. post gets delivered all over the world every day with peoples names on it without breaching anyones security or confidentiallity.
3. It evokes "Fear of loss" (Items may be returned if you don't contact us within 5 days)...what if you were on holiday?! Most mail providers give at least 14-21 days to ensure that someone actually has time to recieve the item.
4. Recieving this letter when you might not actually be waiting for anything, unsolicited
Personally I would avoid like the plague but if it subsequently turns out to be a real company, let me know so I can write to them and tell them that they look like a scam through and through and they might like to change their marketing strategy!!
JMHOGood Enough Club member number 27(2) AND I got me a stalkee!
Closet debt free wannabe -[STRIKE] Last personal loan payment - July 2010[/STRIKE]:T, credit card balance about £3000 (and dropping FAST), [STRIKE]Last car payment September 2010 (August 2010 aparently!!)[/STRIKE]
And a mortgage in a pear tree0 -
yeah i would say it is a scam. every parcel note ive had has the adressee on it. To the occupier seems to be a put in everyones letter box (could be worth asking neighbours if they have had the same letter)
Worse comes to worse and it gets sent back, the person who sent it will ring you to they couldnt deliver it and you can then arrange it for another timeSmile and be happy, things can usually get worse!0 -
The big quesiton I would be asking is 'were you expecting something?'. Whether or not this is a scam I have absolutely no idea but similar has definitely been used. The scam is basically trying to find times when the owner says the premises will NOT be occupied
IvanPast caring about first world problems.0 -
yesterday i was expecting something which came today. At this moment I am no longer expecting anything.
Gave the number a ring before but it went to an answer machine wanting me to leave my name, address and phone number.0 -
Have a look at http://www.advancedcollection.co.uk/ looks like someone's trying to track you down0
-
ooo000ooo wrote:Have a look at http://www.advancedcollection.co.uk/ looks like someone's trying to track you down
How did you come to that conclusion?3.78 kWp PV SolarEdge with iBoost South facing.
30° pitch roof 4% shading. Installed 6th June 18.
Gloucester0 -
hawkwinddotcom wrote:How did you come to that conclusion?
Just a guess? The phone number is for that company, they specialise in collection and tracing, on their blurb they mention a "collection cycle" of letters and phone calls. I reckon the letter the OP received is bait, he contacts them, they sweet talk his name and address out of him if he's the person they're looking for then they have confirmation of his current where abouts and can then continue collecting or can report back they have traced him.0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 346.7K Banking & Borrowing
- 251.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 451.4K Spending & Discounts
- 238.9K Work, Benefits & Business
- 614.3K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 174.8K Life & Family
- 252.1K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards