The email states that a parcel addressed to them is being retained because customs fees on it are outstanding. The notice entices them to click on a link which leads them to a website where they can make a payment to release the fictitious parcel.
The email includes a parcel number which was not generated by the Post Office. Although the sender appears to be “ZA-post office”, the actual email address originates from a server in Germany.
Members of the public who receive the notice should delete it immediately.
The Post Office sends customers an SMS or a collection slip when they have a parcel waiting for collection. This parcel should be collected as soon as possible to make sure it is not returned to the sender.
Post Office branches have separate queues, so if you collect a parcel you will not have to queue with customers collecting a social grant.
If there are customs fees payable on a parcel from abroad, the client pays the fees when they collect the parcel.
The Post Office does not require the payment of any fees before the time of collection.
The Post Office encourages members of the public with any information about postal crimes to contact its toll-free crime buster hotline on 0800 020 070.
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Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online.
Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol.
A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Daleen Naudé is the news editor of the Middelburg Observer, Observer Daller and the Observer Express.
In 2024, she was named FCJ Journalist of the Year for the second time, and has won numerous other accolades during her illustrious 36-year career.
As an industry leader in investigative reporting, Daleen has uncovered various hidden truths in her time at the Observer.
