Spring's position regarding 'scam' mailings in the UK

Amsterdam, 25 January 2011– Spring takes very seriously any concerns about the content of mail but as we have no powers to act as a censor, we work closely with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), Scotland Yard and Royal Mail to identify scam mail and, where necessary, cancel contracts – to date we have cancelled 13 contracts. It is just not possible to identify scam mail even when the mail is sent in transparent wrapping.

We allow our customers to use Spring's UK address when they have no UK address of their own. This is standard practice for all overseas mail and is provided purely to enable undeliverable or response items to be returned to the sender. It does not mean that the mail originates from this address or that the staff in Spring's UK office are responsible for it.

We do work with Scotland Yard, Royal Mail, the ASA and the OFT to combat the issue of scam mailings and we are the only international mail services provider to have signed an Information Sharing Protocol with the OFT.

Scam mail is a problem that is damaging not just to consumers but everyone involved in our industry. Our future is dependent on a healthy direct mail sector and this is why we constantly review the processes that we have in place to combat the issue.

What to do if you think a mailing you have received is misleading
If you think a mailing you have received is misleading, please address your complaint to:

Consumer Direct
Telephone and online consumer advice service, supported by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT)
Telephone: 08454 040506
Website: www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

Advertising Standards Authority
Oversees the British Codes of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing, and handles most complaints about non-broadcast adverts, including direct mail.
Telephone: 020 7492 2222
Website: www.asa.org.uk

Important
Please retain a copy of the mailing, including the envelope in which the mailing was delivered.