On 10th Nov the Working Lunch programme on BBC 2  reported that this scam had been investigated by Icstis and the premium line number had been discontinued. I am leaving this guide here as all the help numbers are still relevant.  My original guide started here -

Christmas is fast approaching and surprise parcels and presents might arrive - and the following scam has been reported by Trading Standards Office. 

A card is posted through your letterbox from a company called PDS, saying they are unable to deliver a parcel and you need to contact them on 0906 6611911.

DO NOT call this number. It is a mail scam. If you do call this number and listen to their recorded message, you will be billed excessively for that phone call. And there is no parcel.

If you are concerned that a number could be a fraud, contact the Premium Rate Service Regulator - 'icstis.org.uk' ( you will need to type www in front  - ebay wont let an outside link in a guide ),  you will be able to type in any number to check its OK. When I checked the number above I learnt that it was 'under investigation'.

You can also phone Royal Mail Security Help Desk 0207 2396655, or your local Trading Standards Office.

So if you find any 'advertising' with a telephone number you are not sure of you can check it with ICSTIS.

Grateful if you can say if you found this guide helpful

Winifred