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Karl Schembri
Forged Maltapost stamps have been discovered in circulation and on sale at stationers, prompting the state postal company and the police to clamp down on what is believed to be a widespread fraudulent activity.
The alarm bells were raised early last week through a Maltapost circular issued to all stamp vendors, warning them that fake 16c stamps used for European destinations were being sold illegally in booklets of six stamps.
Police investigations are “well under way” according to Maltapost Chief Executive Officer Stephen Sultana, and sources say the counterfeit stamps were being sold to resellers at attractive prices, in contrast to Maltapost’s rates which leave meagre profit margins for stationers.
In his circular sent to all stamp vendors last Monday, Sultana said the stamps were “easily recognisable forgeries with inferior printing, poor paper quality and irregularly shaped”.
Giving a clear warning that buying, stocking and selling these fake stamps is a criminal offence, Sultana said the company “intends taking all necessary measures to curb the abuse”.
Maltapost is the sole authorised publisher of stamps in Malta. Sultana said that in order to protect the company’s interests and its clients’, “all the necessary measures” will be taken by Maltapost against those found to be selling or stocking these stamps.
Maltapost officers have been instructed to check stamps on all mail received and to return mail with fake stamps to senders with an explanation. The company is also conducting spot-checks at stamp vendors’ outlets.
The company also gave one week to vendors to contact its official sales representative should they have unknowingly procured counterfeit stamps.
“Maltapost strongly advises vendors to be wary of any offers made by third parties and to notify either the police or Maltapost immediately,” Sultana wrote.
Stamp vendors speaking to MaltaToday complained that Maltapost’s stamp rates for retailers made the illegal dealing of the counterfeit self-adhesive stamps an attractive option.
In reaction, Maltapost has already informed stationers of new rates for vendors who buy stamp booklets in bulk, as well as free deliveries.
Stamp vendors are also forced to pay a Lm10 yearly fee to be certified as authorised resellers.
karl@newsworksltd.com
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