Scam Alert: Postal Scam Tries to Get Your Credit Card Number

Since so many people are on the alert for phishing emails, it seems as though postal scams are on the rise. In the past, we have reported on the possibility of being scammed via fake credit card statements. But that's not all. Apparently there is also a postal scam involving the idea that you should send information to have personal effects sent to you.

Hawke's Bay Today offers a description of this scam:

The letter, which turned up on Friday, said it was from Global Parcel Express in Canada and said Mr Wheeler had "personal effects" waiting to be posted. For $45, and an optional $2 insurance, the items would be sent to him.

Of course, the idea is that you fill out the form and send it in with your credit card information: Account number, expiration date and security code. On top of that, the scammers would also have your signature. That's some pretty scary stuff.

You can't be too careful any more. You need to be vigilant, and watch for unusual activity. If someone sends you a letter asking for money, or for a credit card number, don't respond -- no matter how "official" the letter looks. You can call to find out who the effects are from. Then, before you do anything, call that person separately to verify. Instead, head to the police to try and determine the legitimacy of the claim. It's better to be safe than sorry.

This post was included in the Canadian Finance Carnival #36 at the Canadian Finance Blog.