Wyre Forest police are warning residents to be vigilant in the run up to Christmas after people have been tricked into calling premium rate numbers in postal scams.

In previous years people have had cards delivered through their doors saying that a parcel delivery company was unable to deliver a parcel at their address while they were out and that they should telephone the company to arrange collection or a new delivery time.

The number given was a premium rate number. Crime risk advisor for Wyre Forest, Peter Aston said: “As Christmas approaches, many people will have ordered presents on-line or may be expecting deliveries from family members living further afield, and so might fall more easily for a scam of this nature.

“We are warning people to be extra cautious at this time of year. Genuine mail and parcel delivery companies may leave a note through your door if they are unable to deliver but the numbers they ask you to call tend to be local,” added Mr Aston.

“Be alert to any telephone numbers that start with 0871, 0872 or 090.

“These are premium rate numbers and calling them can work out to be very costly, especially if you have to listen to a lengthy recorded message,” he said. Head of Trading Standards in Worcestershire Steve Birch added: “We have received complaints of this nature in the past, with unsuspecting consumers running up significant phone bills at £1.50 a minute in response to these bogus demands.

“Clearly we would like anybody receiving these cards to be aware of the consequences of responding to them.

“We would also like any such incidents to be reported to us through Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.”