TRADING Standards and Royal Mail have joined forces to try to prevent scam mail in the postal system.

The project is an improved process for cancelling the contracts of companies which send fraudulent mail.

Dedicated training sessions are being held at Royal Mail delivery offices to improve awareness of scam mail among postmen and women so they can report suspected items to the internal security team.

Royal Mail will pass the information to trading standards so they can investigate suspected scam mail and support potential victims and any companies found to be sending it will be asked to stop posting the items.

They will also warn the company about its actions before cancelling its contract if they continue to post fraudulent items.

Clr David Keane, executive board member for environment and public protection, said: “We understand the upset that scam mail can cause, particularly to vulnerable people. We are delighted about this joint initiative between Trading Standards and Royal Mail which will help prevent scam mail entering the postal system and would urge anyone who believe they, or a family member, are receiving potentially fraudulent mail to report it.

“Scammers deliberately target vulnerable people so we have to make sure they get the protection they need. This is a great example of how partnership working can come together to help put a stop to scammers.”

To report potentially fraudulent mail sent to you or a family member write to Royal Mail at Freepost Scam Mail, call 03456 113413 or e-mail scam.mail@royalmail.com.