Royal Mail’s Anti-Fraud Measures Overcharge Small Businesses, Investigation Finds
Small businesses in the UK are being overcharged by Royal Mail’s anti-fraud measures, according to a recent investigation. The measures, which were introduced to combat fraud and protect customers, have been found to be disproportionately affecting small businesses, who are being charged more than larger companies.
The investigation, carried out by the BBC’s Money Box programme, found that small businesses are being charged up to £20 per item for Royal Mail’s anti-fraud measures, which include signature on delivery and tracked delivery. Larger companies, on the other hand, are being charged just a few pence per item.
The overcharging is due to the fact that Royal Mail’s anti-fraud measures are based on the number of items sent, rather than the value of the items. This means that small businesses, who may only send a few items per day, are being charged the same amount as larger companies who send hundreds or thousands of items.
The investigation also found that Royal Mail’s anti-fraud measures are not always effective in preventing fraud. In some cases, customers have reported receiving items that have been signed for by someone else, or that have been left in an insecure location.
Small businesses have expressed their frustration at the overcharging, with many saying that they feel they are being penalised for being small. Some have even said that they have had to stop using Royal Mail altogether because of the high costs.
Royal Mail has defended its anti-fraud measures, saying that they are necessary to protect customers from fraud. However, the company has said that it will review its pricing structure to ensure that small businesses are not being unfairly charged.
The investigation has highlighted the need for Royal Mail to take a more nuanced approach to its anti-fraud measures, taking into account the size and value of the items being sent. Small businesses are the lifeblood of the UK economy, and it is important that they are not being unfairly penalised for trying to protect their customers from fraud.
