14/07/12…Possible parcels scam targets vulnerable people in Thame

POSSIBLE Scam – Unsolicited Parcels – Oxfordshire Trading Standards have received two calls from vulnerable adults living in Thame who have recently received expensive goods through the post that they have not ordered from a well-known mail order company.

On one occasion, the consumer received a telephone call from an unknown caller shortly after receiving the parcel to arrange for collection of the parcel from the consumer?s home. The consumer had not contacted anyone about the parcel ? this was an unsolicited call.

Soon afterwards a tall black male wearing a yellow hi-viz jacket arrived at the consumer?s home and collected the parcel, no receipt was provided.

Both consumers are now being pursued by the mail order company for payment of the items.

We are asking residents living in the South Oxfordshire or Vale of White Horse area who experience this kind of behaviour to telephone Thames Valley Police on 101 and quote URN 706 of 13/07/12.

Free Advice about Consumer Rights is available by telephoning the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 08454 04 05 06

Further information to help a consumer be ?scam aware? is available via the Oxfordshire County Council website at:

http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/public-site/scams

Message sent by:
Carol Rudd (Police, NHW & Community Messaging Co-ordinator, South Oxon & Vale LPA)