RESIDENTS are being warned against suspicious delivery cards.

It stems from an alleged postal scam, which has prompted warning messages on the internet since it came to light in 2005.

The messages refer to a service, operating on 0906 6611911, that was shut down by the phone-paid services regulator PhonepayPlus in December 2005.

The alleged scam was that a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) was posting delivery cards through people’s letterboxes suggesting they were unable to deliver a parcel and requesting the person call them on the number above. This would land the homeowner with a hefty charge for the call.

PhonepayPlus subsequently fined the company Studio Telecom, in Belize, �10,000.

While this number was disconnected in 2005, delivery cards have been received in Devon within the past two weeks, said county councillor Stuart Hughes.

“Some residents have been taken for �315,” said he said. “This is the last thing people want, as we approach Christmas and with the amount of shopping done on the internet these days, along with Christmas presents being sent through the post, it is inevitable that some will fall for the scam.”

If you receive a delivery card through your letterbox which you do not believe is genuine and which asks you to dial a premium rate number, call PhonepayPlus on 0800 500 212 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) or visit www.phonepayplus.org.uk.