Counterfeit stamps
Discussion
Just had TWO letters from my mum (who's not in the habit of buying hooky gear off eBay) that Royal Mail claim have counterfeit stamps.
To my (admittedly untrained) eye, they both look absolutely kosher. Correct 'Royal mail' watermark when viewed at angle, security cutouts, etc.
Barcodes both scan and look legit to me. (In particular the barcodes aren't identical). My suspicion is that they are legit but for some reason "computer says no". Very curious about how this could happen (and, I'm a tenner out of pocket!)
To my (admittedly untrained) eye, they both look absolutely kosher. Correct 'Royal mail' watermark when viewed at angle, security cutouts, etc.
Barcodes both scan and look legit to me. (In particular the barcodes aren't identical). My suspicion is that they are legit but for some reason "computer says no". Very curious about how this could happen (and, I'm a tenner out of pocket!)
The Rotrex Kid said:
They are not "out of date" as they are barcode stamps. cuprabob said:
The Rotrex Kid said:
They are not "out of date" as they are barcode stamps. Caddyshack said:
It might be that they think they have been used before, the qr code checks that.
That was one thought, but the yellow sticker has a tick box for re-used stamps, and even space for a 'first used on' date.There's no signs of tampering, glue or curling edges. They certainly don't look like they've been reused.
Are stamps somehow "activated" by the post office just before they're sold, so new stamps stolen in transit have no value?
MattsCar said:
Did you ask your mother where she got them from?
For years, Chinese sellers were selling fake stamps on Amazon with Amazon refusing to end the listings.
Never occurred to me that fake stamps might be a thing, but I guts with them costing so much now it makes sense. For years, Chinese sellers were selling fake stamps on Amazon with Amazon refusing to end the listings.
A quick Google brings up a GB news article with lots of others complaining:
https://www.gbnews.com/money/royal-mail-counterfei...
MattsCar said:
Did you ask your mother where she got them from?
Village shop apparently, which would cause a blue-rinsed riot if they were responsible.Having got a better magnifying glass, I now reckon they *are* wrong 'uns.
Two giveaways : Her Maj's head is far too contrasty, and a print screen is clearly visible.
Dodgy one on top, believed genuine one below.
Mrs. Rooster had exactly this problem just before Christmas. She bought stamps from the local Post Office (Thirsk) and two of the letters subsequently had penalties applied for being counterfeit.
To cut a long story short, she ended up with not only a refund but also compensation after quite a spiky exchange of emails.
To cut a long story short, she ended up with not only a refund but also compensation after quite a spiky exchange of emails.
Random84 said:
Fake stamps have around for years but I thought they'd cracked down on it.
I used to know some who bought a roll of fake little stickers you get on McDonalds hot drink cups, I have no idea whether he ever got caught and it seems like a lot of hassle to get a free cup of tea/coffee!
Do you reckon they were stolen rather than fake?I used to know some who bought a roll of fake little stickers you get on McDonalds hot drink cups, I have no idea whether he ever got caught and it seems like a lot of hassle to get a free cup of tea/coffee!
Spare tyre said:
Random84 said:
Fake stamps have around for years but I thought they'd cracked down on it.
I used to know some who bought a roll of fake little stickers you get on McDonalds hot drink cups, I have no idea whether he ever got caught and it seems like a lot of hassle to get a free cup of tea/coffee!
Do you reckon they were stolen rather than fake?I used to know some who bought a roll of fake little stickers you get on McDonalds hot drink cups, I have no idea whether he ever got caught and it seems like a lot of hassle to get a free cup of tea/coffee!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-507283...
Random84 said:
Spare tyre said:
Random84 said:
Fake stamps have around for years but I thought they'd cracked down on it.
I used to know some who bought a roll of fake little stickers you get on McDonalds hot drink cups, I have no idea whether he ever got caught and it seems like a lot of hassle to get a free cup of tea/coffee!
Do you reckon they were stolen rather than fake?I used to know some who bought a roll of fake little stickers you get on McDonalds hot drink cups, I have no idea whether he ever got caught and it seems like a lot of hassle to get a free cup of tea/coffee!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-507283...
Good ol days
silentbrown said:
MattsCar said:
Did you ask your mother where she got them from?
Village shop apparently, which would cause a blue-rinsed riot if they were responsible.Having got a better magnifying glass, I now reckon they *are* wrong 'uns.
Two giveaways : Her Maj's head is far too contrasty, and a print screen is clearly visible.
Dodgy one on top, believed genuine one below.
MattsCar said:
Thanks.Royal Mail couldn't make it harder to complain if they wanted to. Nobody keeps stamp receipts, surely?
One thing I've read is that real stamps have a slightly 'raised' barcode due to the printing process. Unfortunately some do, but some don't.
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