You may have scratched out 2019 to write 2020 a few times by now. As we get comfortable writing the new date for the new year, the Postal Inspection Service wants you to be aware that the same old criminals are up to their same old tricks, just in different ways. Many people are accustomed to abbreviating the year with the last two digits; however, doing that this year can leave an open invitation for fraud, especially on important and legal documents. Scammers can easily alter the date to an earlier year and affect the transaction or contract.
New Year New Fraud
A woman uses stolen account information she received by stealing mail and dumpster diving, to create fake checks and ID cards.
Protect Yourself
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Write out full date
Please skip the short-cut and write out the full date.
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Use indelible ink
When signing or dating a legal document, use ink that cannot be easily altered.
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Collect mail daily
Allowing mail to pile up in your mailbox creates an opportunity for theft.
Have You Witnessed This Scam?
If you’ve encountered this scam, and the U.S. Mail® has been used in any way, we want to help. Please report the crime.
Report Now