Residents are being warned to look out for fake missed delivery cards, which claim to be from the Royal Mail, but urge people to ring a number which is costing callers up to £45.

The warning has been issued to people in Burton, Uttoxeter and South Derbyshire by Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre. The scam is seeing victims receive a card through their letterbox, designed to look like the 'Something For You' Royal Mail cards which are posted after a missed delivery.

While the cards look very similar to the real ones, there are a number of key features missing from them that residents are being advised to look out for.

The missed delivery card is missing the official Royal Mail logo in the top left corner, as well as details, phone numbers and opening hours of local delivery centres. Genuine cards also feature a QR code which can be scanned by a smart phone or tablet, and will take users directly to Royal Mail's website to organise another delivery.

A genuine missed delivery card from Royal Mail

The fake cards prompt victims to call an 0208 number, that is not registered to the postal company. Users online have said that they were charged £45 by calling the number.

Victims have said that when they called the number, they get an automated message asking for details and a consignment number. It is believed that these details are what allows the fraudsters to steal the money.

Officers at Action Fraud said they were looking into the fake cards as a matter of urgency.

A spokesman said: "Customers should check delivery cards very carefully to ensure they are genuine, and remain vigilant.

"Although this card is similar to one of our Something For You cards, the Royal Mail logo is crucially missing. Customers should also consider whether they are expecting a delivery from the company named on the card."

It is not known if any of the fake cards have been posted to residents in Burton and South Derbyshire. If in doubt about a card posted through your door, Action Fraud can be contacted on 0300 123 2040.

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