UPDATE: It has now been confirmed by Royal Mail that the alleged scam telephone number referred to below was shut down in December 2005. The information had been received in good faith from West Mercia's Neighbourhood Watch division. We apologise for the error.

WITH Christmas fast approaching, people in Worcestershire are being warned of a scam in which people are being tricked into believing they have missed a parcel delivery.

Fraudsters have been targeting people by posting cards through their doors claiming to be from a company called Parcel Delivery Services, or PDS.

The card asks the recipient to call 0906 6611 911 to rearrange delivery, but when they do they hear a recorded message and are immediately charged £315 to their phone bill.

Royal Mail’s fraud team have said the number on the card may vary, but any card claiming to be from PDS should be considered a scam.

Anyone receiving a card matching the description is asked to call the fraud team on 020 7239 6655.