FRAUDSTERS are using a new scam to trick people

North Yorkshire Police have warned residents to be aware of the scam, which sees what look like genuine Royal Mail cards posted through letterboxes. The cards lack the Royal Mail logo but look almost identical to the ‘something for you’ slips posted when a delivery cannot be made.

To organise a redelivery the cards urge recipients to call a 0208 number, and an automated message asks for personal details and consignment number.

Detective Inspector Jon Hodgeon, head of fraud and economic crime for , said this type of scam was "becoming increasingly common", and "more and more people are falling victim".

He said: "The problem with these types of scams is that they appear very genuine. People of all ages right across the county receive these cards from the Royal Mail through their letterbox, so this activity does not seem out of the ordinary for many people.

"The key to protecting yourself is to check all your correspondence, both on and offline. I cannot stress how important it is to just take a few moments to ask yourself a few questions, such as is it genuine, am I sure this is from the company it is claiming to be from, is there anything suspicious about it?

The Royal Mail is investigating the matter, and urged the public to check cards for a Royal Mail logo.

Det Insp Hodgeon said: "You need to ask yourself have I ordered anything? Am I expecting delivery of something I need to sign for? If the answer is no, then it is probably not genuine and should be reported to Action Fraud."

Visit northyorkshire.police.uk/fraud or phone Action Fraud on 0300 1232040.