A RETIRED Dunmow resident has sent out a Christmas warning saying that people should be aware of festive scams. Brian Hardiman, who lives in the town, has voiced his concern over a parcel delivery service scam that he said appears to be raising its ugly h

A RETIRED Dunmow resident has sent out a Christmas warning saying that people should be aware of festive scams.

Brian Hardiman, who lives in the town, has voiced his concern over a parcel delivery service scam that he said appears to be raising its ugly head.

Worried about other Dunmow shoppers he contacted the Dunmow Broadcast to highlight the issue and hopefully stop anyone else from losing precious Christmas cash.

He said: "I have contacted the police at the fraud unit in Braintree and they agree that there are many scams designed to take away people's hard earned cash, and consumers are especially susceptible at this time of year.

"I know they are doing all they can because there must be millions of them, but I just want to help get the message across."

The parcel delivery service scam became renowned before Royal Mail shut it down in 2005. but reports have suggested that it is starting to re-appear.

It works by the victim receiving an e-mail or letter saying that a parcel is waiting for them and that they should ring a number (usually with a 090 prefix) to find out how to get the promised package, only to find an advert call or random music on the phone, and they are then charged a £15 flat fee or £1.50 per minute for the privilege.

Mr Hardiman said: "I heard about this from my sister who lives in Yorkshire and there is no reason why it couldn't happen down here as well, people should be made aware so that they do not fall into the same trap.

"It is terrible that people try and take advantage of this time of year in such a way. We all know how exciting it can be to get a package at Christmas and criminals are trying to use this to make profits."

Mr Hardiman also said that he had not been personally affected by a scam, and had not seen one in operation in the Dunmow area, but said he was concerned that residents were not yet aware of the problem.

Have you seen or heard of any scams in the area?

Get in touch via text on 07804 217442, by e-mail at editor@dunmow-broadcast.co.uk, or by post at 54 High Street, Saffron Walden, CB10 1EE.