Consumers have received a chain WhatsApp message warning about a postal scam that could leave them £315 out of pocket. Experts from Halton Borough Council’s Trading Standards are warning it is a hoax.
The hoax message reads: “Can you circulate this around especially as Xmas is fast approaching – it has been confirmed by Royal Mail. The Trading Standards Office are making people aware of the following scam:
“A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a Premium rate number).
“DO NOT call this number, as this is a mail scam originating from Belize. If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will already have been billed £315 for the phone call.
“If you do receive a card with these details, then please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 020 7239 6655.”
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Dave Cargill, said: ” If you receive this message just delete it and do not to forward it to anyone.”
If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam or fraud please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.
If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 0808 223 1133