Muhammad Y.
1/5
Post offices cash deposits short money Scam Alert:
I am writing this article after losing £80, £1000 and possible £100 at SEVEN KINGS POST OFFICE as total amount was nearly £12,645/- and it was done in 3 transactions so I was made fool and tricked in all 3 transactions. To avoid confusion I gave £5000 first then £5000 then odd amounts. I told clearly my single cash deposit limit into business account is £5000 through post office so I will give you £5000 you count and credit into account and give me receipt then I will give you second £5000. Female staff (Daughter of post office franchise owner) made £80 short from first £5000 which I paid thinking she may be right. Then she disappeared £1000 bundle when I gave second set of £5000 (5 bundles of £1000 each) while I was counting my odd amount for 3rd transaction. Then I lost track and she took full advantage of my situation and I ended up out of pocket £1180 altogether (£80 + £1000 +100). To cover up she took my number and said there should not be a problem but any up and down my dad will call you but no call came same evening. Next morning I went to post office and explained whole situation to Abbas the owner of post office who knows all about and part of scam. Himself, his wife and daughter and a staff all are part of scam and on same page. Post office franchise owner first assured me he will check and let me know and every penny will be paid but later he refused that all is ok so they don’t owe me any money. I have reported to police and they advised to report to “Action Fraud” and its financial crime case which I have done. He gave excuses of technical issue with cctv system etc and said end of day was no money up and down.
Same place while I was in queue a European man in his thirties came to deposit cash of £2000 but he was told by wife of Abbas that it’s £1500 and she put all money into cash draw when she was not suppose to do so. Young man kept requested that he brought £2000 and gave her £2000 but ended up taking back £1500 only. She sits there observe who is coming with cash and call from middle of the lane to come to her counter which is right side of entrance and all other 3 counters are at very back.
Things to do:
1. Please count cash twice from home or from your businesses and make a solid note of the total amount. If possible make £1000 bundles and tie them with rubber bands for a better track.
2. Do not take calls during deposits at counter and keep a strict eye on staff counting cash as if your eyes are distracted post office staff gonna take some money under the counter or right and left where you will not notice this quick move and your eyes won’t have any access too! After doing that they again count in front of you and you start thinking maybe they are right but it’s not the case. It’s a very big money making scheme for them from each member of public even if they trick you for £20 only as they serve hundreds of customers every day. Monday is most dangerous day for public and great day for them to make money from public due to long queues and they develop long queues on purpose so every member gets pressure that people are waiting behind so let’s finish quickly whatever post office staff is saying about up n down of money. Don’t come under pressure or in rush as take your time and make sure you got CORRECT AMOUNT CREDITED on your deposit receipt also.
3. you will be asked money is less then request the post office to give you your money back and count again in front of their eyes.
4. if possible go to nearest bank branch as banks usually have better and strict systems in place to avoid such scams and banks have better end of day system.
