Learn the Secrets to Spotting Fake Royal Mail Stamps: Keep Your Mail Secure!

This article will discuss the secrets to spotting fake Royal Mail stamps in order to keep your mail secure. In addition to providing tips on how to identify legitimate stamps, we will also discuss the importance of properly sealing and sending your mail to ensure that it reaches its intended recipient safely. By understanding the basics of spotting fake stamps and taking the necessary precautions, you can protect yourself and your mail from potential security risks.

2. Differentiating Genuine and Fake Royal Mail Stamps

The Royal Mail makes it easy to differentiate between genuine and fake stamps. Here are the key aspects to look out for when determining the authenticity of a Royal Mail stamp:

• The colour of the stamp. The genuine stamp will be a deep red colour, while a fake stamp may be a lighter or duller shade.
• The design of the stamp. The Royal Mail stamp will feature a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and a ‘Royal Cypher’ with the Queen’s initials. Fake stamps may feature different designs or a plain colour.
• The embossed security feature. Genuine Royal Mail stamps feature an embossed crown. Fake stamps may not feature this embossed security feature.
• The paper type. Genuine stamps are printed on matte paper, while fake stamps may be printed on glossy paper.
• The perforations of the stamp. Genuine stamps will have distinct perforations, while fake stamps may have faded, blurred or missing perforations.
• The watermark. Genuine stamps will feature a watermark of the Queen’s profile, while fake stamps may feature a different watermark.

By paying attention to the key aspects mentioned above, you can easily differentiate between genuine and fake Royal Mail stamps.

a. Materials and Designs

When it comes to spotting fake Royal Mail stamps, it’s important to pay attention to the materials used and the design of the stamp. Below is a table outlining the materials and design features of legitimate Royal Mail stamps.

The paper used for genuine Royal Mail stamps is self-adhesive and the ink used is thermochromic, which means it changes color when exposed to heat. The stamps also feature a hologram, which contains a three-dimensional image. The clear plastic on the stamp is non-adhesive, and there is a watermark for authentication. Lastly, there is a metallic foil which contains a unique serial number.

If you’re unsure of whether a stamp is genuine or not, pay special attention to the materials and design features listed above. If the stamp you have doesn’t match these features, it’s likely to be a fake.

b. Watermarks

Watermarks are an important feature to help identify authentic Royal Mail stamps. Here are some features to look out for:

• Genuine Royal Mail stamps will have a watermark of the Queen’s head.
• The pattern of the watermark should be the same on all stamps.
• If the watermark is printed on the back of the stamp, it should be in the shape of the crown.
• The watermark should be visible when the stamp is viewed at an angle.
• The lettering of the watermark should be clear and legible.

It is important to note that watermarks can vary slightly between different series of stamps, so it is important to check the specifications for the specific series to ensure authenticity.

c. Postmarks

Postmarks are the stamps and marks that are left on the envelope when it is stamped at the post office. These marks can help to identify a genuine Royal Mail stamp from a fake one. Royal Mail postmarks are unique and vary depending on the post office. If a postmark appears to be smudged or faded, it is likely to be a fake.

Genuine postmarks should be clear, sharp, and consistent. The postmark should be crisp, with no smudging or fading. The postmark should also be unique and vary depending on the post office. Fake postmarks are often smudged or faded and can be easily distinguished from genuine postmarks. Pay close attention to the postmark when buying a Royal Mail stamp to ensure its authenticity.

3. Identifying counterfeit stamps

Spotting a fake Royal Mail stamp can be tricky. To protect yourself from fraud, you need to know how to identify a genuine Royal Mail stamp. Here are some tips to help you spot a counterfeit stamp:

If you are ever in doubt about the authenticity of a stamp, contact Royal Mail customer services for advice.

a. Quality of the Stamp

When it comes to spotting fake Royal Mail stamps, one of the most important things to look out for is the quality of the stamp. Real Royal Mail stamps have certain features that make them easy to spot and distinguish from fake ones:

• The ink should be sharp and crisp.
• The perforations should be even and clear.
• The design should be consistent and of high quality.
• The background colour should be solid and even.
• The stamp should have a unique serial number.
• The stamp should have a clear postmark.

If you notice any discrepancies or irregularities in the quality of the stamp, it is likely a fake. Fake stamps may have blurry or faded ink, uneven perforations, inconsistent designs, or even a postmark that does not match the stamp. It is important to take a close look at the quality of the stamp in order to spot any potential counterfeits.

b. Date of Issue

When it comes to spotting fake Royal Mail stamps, one of the key indicators is the date of issue. Here’s how to check:

• Make sure the stamp has the correct issue date for the day it was applied.
• Check that the year on the stamp matches the year the stamp was applied.
• Pay close attention to any special issues, such as commemorative stamps, that have a limited time period of use.
• Confirm that the date of issue on the stamp corresponds to the date the stamp was applied.

By double-checking the date of issue on the stamp, you can ensure that the stamp is genuine and not a counterfeit. The date of issue is a great indicator of authenticity, and can help you to protect your mail from fraud.

c. Serial numbers

The Royal Mail stamps have serial numbers that vary in size, depending on the type of stamp. Genuine Royal Mail stamps have serial numbers that are printed in black on the right side of the stamp.

• Commemorative stamps have a 12-digit serial number that is printed in the middle of the stamp.
• Special stamps have a 6-digit serial number that is printed on the bottom right side of the stamp.
• Standard stamps have a 10-digit serial number that is printed on the bottom right side of the stamp.
• Definitive stamps have a 10-digit serial number that is printed on the bottom right side of the stamp.

If the serial number is not printed in black, or if it is not printed in the correct position, then it is likely that the stamp is a fake. Additionally, if the serial number is repeated on multiple stamps, this is another indicator that the stamps are fake.

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d. Security Features

The Royal Mail has implemented several security features to ensure that its stamps are authentic. These include:

• Special Ink: Genuine Royal Mail stamps use special ink that can only be identified under a UV light.
• Microprinting: Microprinting is a printing technique that uses extremely small font size and is nearly impossible to replicate. It can be found on the perforations of genuine Royal Mail stamps.
• Watermark: The Royal Mail stamps also feature a unique watermark of the profile of the Queen or an object of national importance.
• Security Thread: All stamps issued since 2013 feature a security thread printed in the paper. This thread is only visible when the stamp is held up to the light.
• Security Seals: Genuine Royal Mail stamps feature a small security seal at the top of the stamp.

These security features are designed to make it difficult to replicate genuine Royal Mail stamps and to protect your mail from forgeries. To learn more about these features, visit the Royal Mail website.

4. Understanding the Consequences of Using Fake Stamps

It is important to know the consequences of using fake Royal Mail stamps, as it could have serious legal repercussions. Using fake stamps is a criminal offence and could result in a fine of up to £1,000, a prison sentence of up to six months, or both.

In addition to legal consequences, using fake Royal Mail stamps can cause a great deal of disruption and inconvenience. It can lead to delays in the delivery of mail and can also result in the mail being returned to the sender. This can have a significant impact on businesses, as mail may contain important information that needs to be sent and received quickly.

Finally, it is important to remember that using fake stamps is a form of fraud. This is a serious offence and can have far-reaching consequences, including a criminal record which could affect future job prospects. For these reasons, it is vital to always ensure that Royal Mail stamps are genuine, and to be aware of the potential consequences of using fake stamps.

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5. Tips to Avoid Counterfeit Stamps

Counterfeiting is an ongoing problem but there are some simple steps you can take to ensure you have genuine Royal Mail stamps.

• Only purchase stamps from a reputable source. Ensure that you are buying from a Royal Mail approved stockist and that the stamps are genuine.
• Take a close look at the stamp. Check for any discrepancies such as wrong images, colours, or fonts.
• Regularly check the Royal Mail website for updates on current and past stamp designs. Genuine stamps will be accurate to the designs shown.
• Be aware of any unusual offers for stamps. Royal Mail does not offer discounts or special offers on stamps, so if you encounter any suspicious offers, be wary.
• Be aware of the Royal Mail’s anti-counterfeiting policy. Royal Mail’s Anti-Counterfeiting Policy outlines the measures they are taking to combat bogus stamps.

By following these steps, you can help ensure your mail is secure and that you are using genuine Royal Mail stamps.

6. Buying Genuine Royal Mail Stamps

The best way to ensure that the stamps you use on your mail are genuine, is to purchase them from Royal Mail or an approved Royal Mail retailer. This ensures that the stamps are genuine and haven’t been counterfeited.

When you purchase stamps from Royal Mail or an approved retailer, you can be sure that the stamps are genuine. Take care to ensure that the stamps are presented in the original packaging, with the Royal Mail logo and the words ‘Royal Mail’ clearly visible. Check the expiry date to make sure that the stamps are still valid.

If you buy from an unapproved retailer, or from an online auction site, you risk buying counterfeit stamps. If you’re unsure about the authenticity of a stamp, contact Royal Mail directly for advice.