If most scams target the banking data of French people, a new scam has been brought to light.
There are as many scams as there are ideas. And the thugs have no shortage of ideas. Cards or bank advisors, vital card, parcel delivery, suspension of subscriptions, WhatsApp… The themes through which scammers try to steal money from their victims are numerous.
Problem: despite alerts and permanent prevention messages, far too many French people are still being fooled and losing money. Another difficulty: the ability to adapt and the “creativity” of scammers seems limitless. And the latter do not hesitate to launch themselves where they are least expected… or no longer. This is particularly the case for the latest scam uncovered by customs.
In the vast majority of cases, scams now take place digitally, via fraudulent SMS or emails that link to fake websites. But the methods of yesteryear still continue to work, even if they target a service that has been in decline for years: La Poste.
From year to year, fewer and fewer French people use the mail delivery company. 7 billion objects (letters and parcels combined) were distributed in 2022 compared to 9 billion three years previously. A drastic drop in activity but which continues to lure scammers. Because to use a La Poste service, the good old stamp is unbeatable. Without its presence on the envelope or box, it is impossible to see the shipment arrive at its destination.
A valuable piece that attracted thugs. The latter do not hesitate to produce fake stamps. 100,000 have been seized by customs since the start of the year, throughout France. Judging from the photos of the packages, it is difficult to tell the difference with a real one bought in a store.
Problem is, anyone who buys these fake stamps, even without knowing it, is exposed to heavy penalties. A fine corresponding to the true value of the stamps purchased is applied and a prison sentence can even be imposed. This is what a business manager received in 2020 after purchasing fake stamps on a website.
To avoid being fooled, you must only buy on the La Poste website, the only organization authorized to sell stamps in France. Or moving around an office is still the most secure way.