Royal Mail scam text arrests after dawn fraud raids

[POSTMAN]

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-n ... s-20663445

Eight people have been arrested in a series of dawn raids as part of an investigation into bogus Royal Mail text message scams.

Officers from the dedicated card and payment crime unit (DCPCU), a City of London and Metropolitan Police unit, carried out warrants in London, Coventry, Birmingham and Colchester in a week of action.

Eight men have been arrested on suspicion of fraud, for allegedly sending out fake messages asking people to pay a fee to retrieve a Royal Mail parcel.

The scam messages, known as “smishing” texts, steal a victim’s personal and bank details by getting them to follow a link to a fake version of a trusted website.

During the raids, investigators recovered stolen bank details and devices suspected of being used to send the messages.

Seven of those arrested have been released under investigation while one man has been charged and is in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Robinson, head of the DCPCU, said: “The success of these operations shows how through our close collaboration with Royal Mail, the financial services sector and mobile phone networks we are cracking down on the criminals ruthlessly targeting the public.

“Ongoing investigations are now under way and we will continue to work together to bring those committing smishing scams to justice.”

Law enforcement officials ask the public to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign if they receive a suspicious message.

This is to stop and take a moment to think before parting with your money or information; challenge what you are being told; and call your bank immediately if you think you have fallen for a scam.

There have been a number of different Royal Mail text scams in recent months, with fraudsters cashing in on increased use of parcel delivery services during the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns. The Royal Mail saw profits increase four-fold during the year of Covid-19 as restrictions and lockdowns led to a surge in online shopping. Bosses revealed pre-tax profits for the year to March hit £726 million – up from £180 million a year earlier – with revenues up 16.6% to £12.6 billion.

People had been warned to watch out for texts message in which criminals posing as the Royal Mail claimed a parcel is awaiting delivery but a “settlement” must first be paid.

Another targeted people who may have sent parcels in the post. It read: "Royal Mail: please pay your dispatch fee immediately... or your parcel will be returned to sender."

Both texts include links to a fraudulent website which asks for for personal and payment details.

Stealing personal and financial details is known as phishing - and the information can be used by scammers to commit further fraud, which could cost victims dear.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has previously said the rise in online shopping means more people are likely to be waiting for parcels and deliveries, making them more vulnerable to this kind of scam.

Lead officer Katherine Hart said: “This delivery scam is yet another example of fraudsters attempting to make money out of the unsuspecting public. Due to the lockdowns, many millions of people rely on product deliveries, so scammers have focused their efforts on this theme.

“Royal Mail will only ever contact you via text or email if a customs fee is due, not for domestic parcel delivery. If you have any suspicions, contact Royal Mail to verify before you click any links or share details.

“Also, the public must also be aware that these types of scams may come in many forms, and scammers do not only use Royal Mail branding.

“Indeed, in January, I commented on a similar scam that used DPD branding.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

https://inews.co.uk/news/consumer/royal ... TO=newsnow

Devices suspected of being used in scams were seized, with financial details of impacted consumers recovered

Eight men have been arrested in connection with a probe targeting scam text messages claiming to be from Royal Mail.

The men were arrested on suspicion of fraud after early-morning searches across London, Coventry, Birmingham and Colchester on Monday, conducted by the Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit.

According to the national specialist police unit, the searches were conducted in connection with scam texts posing primarily as Royal Mail, with messages claiming the recipient needs to pay an outstanding postage fee for a parcel or input their details to rearrange a delivery.

An internet shopping boom during lockdown has fuelled a rise in text message ‘smishing’ attempts, with scammers seeking to trick consumers into providing their personal and financial details,

Several devices were seized during the searches on Monday, with financial details of potential victims also recovered, enabling their bank accounts to be protected.

Seven of those arrested have been released under investigation, with one suspect charged and remanded into custody ahead of their court appearance.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Robinson said: “The success of these operations shows how through our close collaboration with Royal Mail, the financial services sector, and mobile phone networks, we are cracking down on the criminals ruthlessly targeting the public.

“Ongoing investigations are now underway and we will continue to work together to bring those committing smishing scams to justice.”

Trading Standards said previously: “Due to the lockdowns, many millions of people rely on product deliveries, so scammers have focussed their efforts on this theme.

“Royal Mail will only ever contact you via text or email if a customs fee is due, not for domestic parcel delivery. If you have any suspicions, contact Royal Mail to verify before you click any links or share details.”

People can report suspected scam texts to their mobile network provider by forwarding them to 7726, which is free of charge.

[clashcityrocker]

“Royal Mail will only ever contact you via text or email if a customs fee is due...

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