While the holiday season offers merriment, joy, and togetherness, fraudsters and their scams can dim the season. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to helping Postal Service customers avoid trending scams throughout the holidays and all year long, so you can avoid being “snowed” by counterfeit postage, phishing and smishing scams, or mail and package theft. And we are committed to keeping our letter carriers safe, so they can help deliver the magic and wonder of the season.
Don’t Get Snowed by Holiday Scams
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Don’t get stuck by counterfeit postage.
The number of counterfeit stamps being sold online has increased, and so has the actual quality of the stamps. In the rush to send holiday cheer, it’s easy for customers to fall for deals that appear to save them money. But fake postage costs more in the end—in the forms of financial loss and potential legal consequences.
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Watch out!
Scammers offer stamps at 20-50 percent of their face value and target customers via social media platforms, third-party e-commerce sites, and pop-up ads. Counterfeit postage comes in a variety of designs and is often sold in bulk.
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Purchase stamps from Approved Postal Providers®
Customers should purchase stamps from Approved Postal Providers®, which can include legitimate “big box” retailers.
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Report
Report counterfeit stamps and sellers here
Recognize phishing and smishing scams.
Phishing and smishing are designed to steal personally identifiable information (PII), like credit card or Social Security numbers. In these scams, customers receive emails (phishing) or texts (smishing) that often contain either a fake URL or a file that, if opened, can activate a virus. Clicking on the link or opening the file allows fraudsters to steal PII.
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Stay Alert
Don’t click on any links in emails or text messages from unknown senders.
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Always Know
USPS officials would never directly contact customers by email or text asking for payment or PII.
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Keep in Mind
USPS would never contact a consumer via text message, unless the customer initiated the request.
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Update Software
Keep computer and cell phone security software up to date.
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Forward USPS-related spam emails
Forward USPS-related spam emails to spam@uspis.gov; forward smishing/text message to 7726 or email spam@uspis.gov.
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Delete
Delete phishing emails and smishing text messages and block the sender(s).
Protect your mail and packages.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service makes thousands of arrests for mail theft each year. Mail and packages can be stolen at any time, but thieves especially target gift packages delivered during the holiday season.
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Request a Signature
Customers should request signature confirmation on packages and add package tracking.
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Never Send Cash
Customers should never send cash in the mail.
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Update Your Address
If a customer moves, they should file a change of address with USPS and let their financial institutions know as soon as possible.
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Report It
If someone suspects they are a victim of mail theft, report it at www.uspis.gov/report.
Letter carrier safety.
Thieves are getting bolder. They’re targeting letter carriers and stealing mail, packages and even employee valuables. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is continuing its efforts to protect those who deliver to your door.
Postal Inspectors are on it, focusing on operations in high-risk areas, increasing awareness through education, and enforcing the over 200 laws designed to protect the nation’s mailstream. Recent operations have led to the arrests of individuals involved in postal-related crimes, and the Postal Inspection Service is committed to making sure every letter carrier returns home safely this holiday season and all year long.
Holiday cheer is coming your way this season in the form of cards, letters and packages. By working together to prevent scams and theft, we can all ensure the season is merry and bright.
For more information on what Postal Inspectors are doing to protect employees and customers, visit:
Project Safe Delivery-
Report It
If you see suspicious activity call 9-1-1 immediately, then Postal Inspectors at 877-876-2455.
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Secure Packages
Secure packages immediately after delivery.
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Hold Mail
Have you local Post Office hold mail/deliveries if you are going to be away.
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Hide Belongings
Ensure valuables remain out of sight. Whether on your person or at your front door, thieves are always on alert for their next opportunity.
Don’t Get Snowed by Mail Theft
Don’t Get Snowed by Phishing & Smishing
Don’t Get Snowed by Counterfeit Postage
REPORT NOW
Alert Postal Inspectors to the problem and prevent others from being victims this holiday season.
Report Now -