Preventing mail fraud
Mail fraud is a scheme to get money or something of value from you by offering a product, service, or investment opportunity that does not live up to its claims. Mail fraudsters frequently rely on the same old tricks. Here are some of the more common mail fraud schemes and other common consumer problems. Watch out for them.
Sweepstakes and “free” prizes. Thousands of people are notified by mail that they have won a free prize. When you contact the company, the scam artist says you need to send a “processing fee” and pressure you to give out your credit card number. You can be certain your prize will cost you more than it’s worth.
“Free” vacations. There’s always a catch and you will likely be required to pay an additional handling fee.
Solicitations disguised as invoices. Don’t be victimized by con artists who try to get you to order goods or services by mailing solicitations that look like invoices.
Foreign lotteries. Don’t fall for this. It’s illegal and is probably a scam. Foreign lottery come-ons sent to U.S. addresses through the mail are bogus. And, if you haven’t purchased a lottery ticket, how can you be a winner?
Chain letters. Don’t waste your money as they don’t work. And, if you mail chain letters, you could be committing a federal crime.
Charity fraud. Give to charities that you know. Be suspicious of charities that accept only cash and always make out checks to the organization, not to an individual.
Medical fraud. For years medical quacks have sold powders, pills, lotions, and other gimmicks through the mail to people seeking cures for baldness, obesity, or sexual dysfunction. Avoid “miracles” like instant cures for arthritis, losing weight overnight, or looking years younger. Protect your health and your pocket book; consult your family physician before purchasing any cure-alls.
Phony inheritance schemes. Be wary of an inheritance from a long-lost relative or friend. Don’t send a fee for an “estate report.”
“Work-at-home” offers. Working out of your home may sound wonderful, but these schemes will require you to invest money before you learn how a plan works. Suspect any ad claiming you can earn unusually high income with little or no effort on your part.
Just remember if it sounds too good to be true, it likely is a phony. Don’t fall for these schemes. Think twice before you respond to any of these offers.
For more information about purchasing stamps, stamps by mail, postal regulations, a free subscription to USA Philatelic magazine, Post Office events, the location of the nearest postal store or contract unit, or for answers to your specific Postal Service questions, contact USPS at 1-800-275-8777, or visit www.usps.com. To schedule a presentation for your community, club or group on how the Postal Service brings the Post Office to your home or office computer, call 239-573-9638.
Mr. Zip’s Tip: The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is mandated to safeguard the entire postal system-from the nearly 663,000 employees who process and deliver the mail, to the millions of customers who use it.