Possible Scam

Tue 7 Mar 2023, 14:04

Almost certainly a scam. 

Derbyshire police have a page on mobile phone delivery fraud. They say <<In some cases, victims have received parcels containing iPhones, which include a contract taken out in their name and address without their knowledge or consent. After the phone is delivered a second uniformed ‘courier’ arrives stating that the parcel has been delivered in error and needs to be returned.

We know that an initial deposit is paid for the phone by fraudsters, and future payments are then attributed to the victim whose identity has been stolen.>>

 They say: <<If you receive a package you cannot remember ordering, do not hand it over if a courier requests you to. You should check their credentials and call the company that they represent, to check if they are legitimate. If they prove not to be contact ... Let your bank know what’s happened immediately.

Report the offence to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via their website: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ ;>>

They also say: to prevent identity fraud --

Shred anything with your name, address or financial details before throwing it away.
Do not reveal any security information - such as your password, login details or account numbers if you get an unsolicited email or call.
Call your bank on an official number if you get an unsolicited call.
Check your statements regularly and report any suspicious activity.
Put your bills and financial details in a safe place out of view.
Contact your bank if paper statements don’t arrive (if you’re expecting them).
Redirect your post via Royal Mail, for a least a year, if you move property.
Use a credit report checking service, to alert you to any key changes on your credit file.>>

Many people also have identity theft insurance as a part of their home insurance, it's also worth seeing if you have this, and if so contact them and follow their advice.

Hannen was targeted a few years ago -- very rough that it seems to have happened again!