New Zealand Post says it is working on changes to help cut down mail scams.
It comes after a Nelson postal worker refused to deliver letters to a rest home because she believed they were part of a scam.
At the moment NZ Post must deliver a mail item to its intended recipient. But if proposed changes go ahead NZ Post could have more powers to intercept suspicious mail.
Earlier today John Maynard of the Postal Workers Union said the Nelson postie had been threatened with jail for warning residents about the scam.
The postal worker identified the letters, due to be sent to 20 rest home residents, as being part of a Malaysian lottery scam.
But NZ Post dismissed the claims as "ridiculous".
Mr Maynard says NZ Post told the postie she was breaching the Postal Services Act, which carries a penalty of up to six months in prison.
NZ Post says it is aware of this particular Malaysian lottery scam, but it's currently an offence to interfere with mail -- even if a scam is suspected.
The postal worker was not given a formal warning and no further action has been taken against her.
Elderly people are often targeted by fraudsters, who send letters asking for money in exchange for fake holidays or big cash jackpots.
Newshub.
