Royal Mail pauses fines for ‘fake’ stamps after apparent flaw in fraud scanners

Postal company defends technology but suspends surcharge, while app allowing customers to scan own stamps developed

Royal Mail has suspended controversial fines for letters with stamps it deems counterfeit after claims that it was penalising the public for its own inadequate technology.

Addressees have been forced to pay a levy of 5 to receive post if Royal Mail suspects that a fake stamp was used by the sender. Hundreds of fines have been issued since barcoded stamps became mandatory last July.