Police warn of doorstep parcel scam

Police are warning people to be on their guard against a fraudster carrying out a doorstep scam.

A message was posted on Facebook on Monday which revealed the scam was currently being used in the Nelson area, and involved a man visiting people’s homes pretending to be a courier/delivery driver and stating he has a parcel to leave for a neighbouring address.

The fraudster is asking for payment up front before he will leave the parcel, which never arrives. The fraudster has managed to obtain details of residents prior to visiting, but police stress that under no circumstances would any reputable company ask for payment at the doorstep for any product.

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In their Facebook posting, they say: “If in doubt, refuse to accept any parcel. Do not pass any money over and contact your local police immediately.”

Previous victims include the elderly and vulnerable.

The description given by witnesses of the fraudster is of an Asian male aged 25 to 35.

If anyone has already fallen victim to this scam and has not reported the matter to the police, contact local police stations on 101 and leave a message for PC 3060 McCoy.