‘Tis the season of scams.
As the holiday season reaches its peak, the United States Postal Service is warning customers to be wary of holiday scams when sending and receiving gifts this year.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the federal law enforcement arm of the Postal Service, said, “While the holiday season offers frolic, joy and togetherness, fraudsters and their scams can tarnish the season.” said on their website,
There are some scams that the USPS warns customers about, including being “spoiled” by counterfeit mail, phishing and smishing scams, or mail and package theft.
Here’s an explanation of the types of mail fraud and what you need to know about them.
‘smishing’
“Smishing” is one of the more popular scams – especially around the holidays – which involves fraudulent text messages indicating package tracking.
This is a form of phishing designed to steal personally identifiable information (PII), such as credit card and Social Security numbers, as well as account passwords.
Smishing typically involves a text message or phone number.
“Victims will typically receive a deceptive text message intended to lure the recipient into providing their personal or financial information,” USPIS warns“These scammers often attempt to disguise themselves as a government agency, bank, or other company to lend legitimacy to their claims.”
While USPS offers free tools to track specific packages, it won’t send customers text messages or e-mails with a specific tracking number without first requesting the service — and it won’t contain a link.
To request service, text the package’s tracking number to 28777 (2USPS). The text coming from the agency will typically include a tracking number, package status, date, time, location, and instructions to stop receiving further messages. Then, there will be No Be a clickable link.
Per USPSA text may look like this: “USPS 01123456789123456789, Expected Delivery: Monday, September 11, 2017 Stop reply to cancellation.”
If you believe you have received a fraudulent message from a sender impersonating the Postal Service, you are advised to send an email spam@uspis.gov And take the following steps:
- Without clicking on the web link, copy the body of the suspicious text message and paste it into a new email.
- Provide your name in the email and also attach the sender’s phone number and a screenshot of the text message showing the date sent.
- Include any relevant details in your email – for example, if you clicked the link, if you lost money, if you provided any personal information, or if you experienced any impact to your credit or person. Is.
- The Postal Inspection Service will contact you if more information is needed.
- Forward the smishing/text message to 7726 (SPAM), which will help report the scam phone number.
‘ice’ by fake mail
The number of counterfeit tickets sold online has increased, and the quality of fraudulent tickets has also increased, making it harder to distinguish.
“Are you looking online for a good deal on postage stamps? Is it too good to pass up a substantial discount of up to fifty percent on an order of United States Forever Stamps? If so, keep scrolling, they are probably fake,” USPIS said.
Scammers often attempt to target customers through social media, third-party e-commerce sites, and pop-up advertisements.
To ensure you are not purchasing a counterfeit stamp, USPIS recommends purchasing directly from the USPS or from approved postal providers, such as legitimate “big box” or warehouse retailers that have resale agreements with the Postal Service.
mail and package theft
While mail and packages can be stolen any time of year, USPIS warns that “thieves particularly target gift packages delivered during the holiday season.”
For your safety and that of your mail, USPIS recommends Pick up your mail and packages immediately instead of leaving them lying around for any length of time.
If you can’t come home to receive the package, make another arrangement or use the USPS Hold Mail service. Recipients can also use the Hold for Pickup option and pick up the package at their local post office.
USPIS warns against sending cash in the mail, saying it is not worth the risk. Additionally, if you do not receive a check, credit card or other valuable mail, contact the sender as soon as possible to have it looked into.
If you’re the sender and sending some important mail, consider requesting signature confirmation for the recipient.
