The parcel on your doorstep could drag you into a scam

Taking in a parcel for your next-door neighbour is one of the small kindnesses that makes a community. But accepting one for a stranger could pull you into a scam without you ever realising it.

Lincolnshire Police is urging residents across the county to think before they sign for any delivery not clearly addressed to their household.

The warning is part of the force's ongoing fraud awareness work. Criminals use tactics known as "parcel muling", where they send stolen or fraudulent goods to innocent addresses to avoid being caught. The person at the door may know nothing about it until police come knocking.

The key question is simple: do you know the person named on the parcel? Taking in a package for a neighbour you speak to regularly is perfectly reasonable. Accepting one for a name you have never heard of is a different matter entirely.

The risks go beyond awkwardness. Unknown parcels can contain dangerous items. Handling them, even briefly, can make it look as though you were part of the scheme. There may also be legal questions around handling post not meant for you.

If parcels for unfamiliar names arrive repeatedly at your address, treat that as a warning sign. Write "Not known at this address" on the parcel and return it to the courier. Never open it.

Be very wary if anyone offers you money or a favour to accept a delivery. No legitimate package comes with a cashincentive.

If you are concerned about suspicious deliveries, contact Lincolnshire Police by calling 101 or through the "Tell us about" section at lincs.police.uk. You can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers. Call 999 in an emergency.