La Poste warns on package scam
Caller pretends you have a package to be collected to trick you into phoning premium line
LA POSTE has warned of a scam in which people are urged to call a premium rate number to organise the collection of a package or registered letter.
Although the warning was issued by La Poste in Basse Normandie, the calls have been received in Hérault, Pays Basque and Mayenne.
The calls purport to be from La Poste informing householders that they have received a parcel or a letter recommandée waiting for them.
The householder is told to call a number beginning with 08 to get more details about the package or letter.
However, anyone calling this number is put on hold until they hang up - at a cost of €3/minute.
There is no warning of the cost, so for many the first indication they had been scammed was their phone bill.
La Poste has issued the following reminders to avoid scams:
- For any undelivered parcels or letters, the postman should always leave a note that they called.
- La Poste never calls you and asks you to call an 08 number or other premium rate number
- La Poste never asks for your card details or pin whether by phone or email
- If you receive a message that purportes to be from La Poste you can call their number on 3631 (standard landline rate in mainland France) to find out more.
