If you think the worst thing you’ve ever received in the mail was a bill, think again. Scammers are now using the postal service to trick people—mostly elderly victims—into mailing them thousands of pounds in cash. And the worst part? Some victims don’t even realize they’ve been duped until it’s too late.
Police have arrested three men linked to a scam that convinced victims—many in their 80s—to withdraw large sums of cash and send it through the mail. Investigators say nearly £20,000 has been stolen so far.
How It Works
• Impersonation: Scammers pretend to be from a trusted source, like a bank, HMRC, or even the police.
• Urgency & Fear: They claim the victim’s money is at risk or that they owe fines—pushing them to act fast.
• Withdrawal & Mailing: The victim is told to withdraw cash and send it to a specified address as part of a fake "verification process."
• Gone Without a Trace: Once the money is sent, the scammers disappear, leaving victims devastated.
Who’s Being Targeted?
• Elderly individuals, especially those in their 70s and 80s, are the primary targets.
• People across the UK, including Lancashire, Dorset, Hertfordshire, Birmingham, and Londonderry, have fallen victim.
• Those who may not be tech-savvy or familiar with modern scams are at higher risk.
Real-Life Example
In Newcastle, police intercepted a package containing £5,000 in cash just before it was delivered to the fraudsters. This led to the arrest of a 23-year-old man, while two other suspects, aged 27 and 28, were detained in Durham. In total, officers have seized £25,000 in cash and frozen £13,000 in bank assets linked to the scam.
Why You Should Care
🔴 Massive Financial Losses – Victims often lose their life savings, with little chance of getting it back.
🔴 Psychological Impact – Many victims feel ashamed, scared, or lose trust in genuine institutions.
🔴 Growing Threat – Scammers are getting more sophisticated, using official-looking messages and pressure tactics.
How to Protect Yourself
• Verify the Caller: If someone claims to be from your bank or a government agency, hang up and call the official number yourself.
• Never Send Cash by Mail: No legitimate institution will ever ask you to send money via post.
• Beware of Urgency Tactics: Scammers want you to act fast before you think—always take your time.
• Talk to Someone You Trust: If something feels off, consult a family member or friend before making any payments.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive a suspicious request, report it to your bank, local police, or Action Fraud.
Quick Tips & Updates
Did you know? Scammers can fake phone numbers to make it look like they’re calling from your bank or the police. Always call back using the official number on your statement.
Pro Tip: If you receive an urgent message asking you to act immediately, stop and think. Legitimate organizations won’t pressure you to send money without verifying first.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed
Scams like this thrive on secrecy and fear. By staying informed and spreading the word, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from falling victim.
Keyword Definitions
🔹 Postal Scam – A type of fraud where victims are tricked into mailing large amounts of cash to scammers, believing they are securing their money.
🔹 Impersonation Scam – A scheme where fraudsters pretend to be from trusted organizations to deceive victims into sending money.
🔹 Urgency Tactics – Psychological pressure used by scammers to force quick decisions, preventing victims from verifying legitimacy.
To read more, kindly find source article here