Scan your stamps to check they are genuine.
25th July 2024
PTS Member, Royal Mail have introduced a new 'Counterfeit Stamp Scanner" service on their app.
It is illegal to knowingly use counterfeit or re-used stamps to avoid paying Royal Mail the full amount required for the postal service received.
Whilst efforts are being made by Royal Mail and government agencies to stop the fraudsters at source, and to prevent counterfeits making their way onto e-commerce platforms, unfortunately, counterfeit postage stamps make it into circulation every day.
Royal Mail want to give you, the consumer (the poster, the letter writer, the postcard sender, the small business owner...), the ability to check that stamps you have bought or are sent are genuine.
The new 'Counterfeit stamp scanner' checks stamps against Royal Mail's extensive database of counterfeits. The scanner identifies if a stamp is genuine, or a known counterfeit. There is also the ability to discover more about counterfeits via the app, including a way to report any suspected counterfeits.
Shop safe
The safest way to buy stamps is to buy them direct from Royal Mail, the Post Office or a verified PTS Member. You can find a list of all active, verified PTS Members here: Online Member Directory.
How to use Royal Mail's Counterfeit stamp scanner
1. Download the Royal Mail App and register
2. Go to 'Services'
3. Scroll down to the bottom where you will find the 'Counterfeit stamp scanner'
4. Scan your stamp (you may need to allow the app access to your camera). Hold your camera about 6 inches away from the stamp
5. The app will tell you if the stamp is genuine or a suspected counterfeit
Independent verification
The scanner tests the image of a stamp against Royal Mail's database of counterfeits. The database is in continuous review and when new counterfeits are discovered, they are added to the list of recognised counterfeit barcodes.
But there are more ways to identify counterfeits than just looking at the barcode.
Royal Mail lists some of these characteristics on their website:
Security ovals on each side of the stamp are missing or uneven
Unusual colourings
Uneven borders
An unusually shiny surface
Stamps may be stuck on to what appears to be greaseproof paper
Royal Mail are working with Gold PTS Member, Stanley Gibbons as an independent expert in forgeries and counterfeits.
Learn more about stamp fraud
To discover more about stamp fraud, how to protect yourself from fraudsters, and how to report possible fraudulent activities, visit this dedicated page from Royal Mail: Stamp Fraud.
Have you tried the Royal Mail counterfeit stamp scanner app? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
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