Empty South Yorkshire properties targeted in ‘fake postbox’ fraud
The incidents have involved offenders sealing up post or letterboxes at empty addresses and installing a new postbox to an external wall.
The scammers then apply for bank accounts, cards and loans and have the paperwork sent to the ‘fake postbox’- which is only accessible to them.
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Hide AdPC Gavin Johnson, from the Fraud Coordination Team, said: “This type of fraudulent activity certainly involves an element of ‘organisation’, as criminals are identifying vulnerable properties in advance.
“We believe they are targeting rental properties, where tenants may have recently moved out, or houses that are standing empty.
“If you’re a landlord or property developer, we’d advise that you bear this warning in mind and keep an eye on your premises for any signs of damage or new fixtures or fittings that have appeared.”
If you have any concerns that your property might have been targeted, call 101.