It's the season to be jolly. All sorts of things are on the increase, Christmas parties, hangovers, and mince pies, to name but a few. 

But, a far more insidious thing is also being reported as being on the increase in greater numbers than has ever been seen before and I want to do my bit to just increase awareness about this.

We're seeing it in my household daily! And that is THE PACKAGE or PARCEL SCAM.

The package scam is rife. The short version of how this works is you get a text message or maybe an email telling you that there is a package waiting for you. It may well be that you are expecting a package of course (given the time of year) but, even if you are not, you are not going to be too surprised to get a package this time of year. 

It seems entirely feasible that you might get a package now whereas maybe it is not so likely at other times.

But you may also see that part of the message asks you to pay some money or give out some sensitive information. The message may suggest that they tried to deliver it (but no-one was there) and now there is a charge so that they can  arrange delivery again.

Don't be fooled. If you genuinely missed a delivery there is normally a card or a note left. If you didn't get a card or a note then it is down to the delivery company to get it to you. It is not for you to chase it.

Even if they leave a phone number in the message to contact them - don't do it unless it's a number you can check before ringing (Amazon number, Royal Mail delivery centre number etc.)

So many people are getting scammed in this way right now, please don;t be one of them. 

I would not generally mention it but we've had no less than 5 of these attempted scams in my household this week alone (I know because I checked them all personally)!

John

Have a lovely Christmas !! And watch out for the infamous package scam!