In a deeply disturbing investigation, this newspaper today exposes how Royal Mail is profiting from letter fraud conmen who prey on the elderly and vulnerable on an industrial scale.
These venal scam artists post every kind of attempted fraud – from bogus prize draws to fake clairvoyants and alternative health remedies – to trick their targets into handing over cash.
As our undercover reporter found, a sinister, self-styled ‘mafia’ meet in exclusive resorts where they laugh at their victims over Champagne and oysters, exchange ‘suckers’ lists’ of targets and swap tips on how to exploit them.
'I'm passionate about my ability to whore my talent and sell this s*** to people who don't need it'. Canadian sweepstake scammer, Andrew John Thomas, said the victims 'get sucked in'
The consequences can be devastating. In one case, an elderly woman was ‘brainwashed’ into handing over £100,000. In another, an 83-year-old lost £50,000.
But the only reason the con artists can get away with their wicked trade – and where the real questions from this investigation must be directed – is because of Royal Mail.
The fraudsters unwittingly reveal – and victims confirm – that the official Royal Mail logo gives these letters a sheen of authenticity.
This once-venerated 500-year-old institution has been warned repeatedly about such rampant criminality but appears, shamefully, to turn a blind eye.
Reaping the profits: Christian Limpach at the conference at the Whistler ski resort. The German said the letters are 'crazy' and 'very weird' but claims the aim of them is clear: 'To rip off the people.' Particularly 'females over 60', who are seen as the most vulnerable, he said
It is surely no coincidence that it reaps millions of pounds from the bulk mail contracts the scammers use to send their poisonous bait.
So widespread is the problem that one postman tells us he is reduced to warning people on his round about the letters he has to put through their doors.
Urgent action is now required. If the company’s tin-eared bosses will not move against a practice which besmirches the name of Royal Mail, then ministers surely must.