The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is kicking off National Consumer Protection Week, March 2-8, with a warning about the dangers of impostor scams.
Impostors are scammers who work very hard to convince consumers they are a friend or relative or that they are from a legitimate source, such as a bank or government agency. These fraudsters then take personally identifiable information to steal victims’ money.
“There are many types of impostor scams,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the Criminal Investigations Group. “But they all start with messages like, ‘I’m in trouble,’ ‘I need,’ ‘You’ve won!’ or ‘I have a great offer for you!’ These scammers lull consumers into a false sense of trust, gain access to privileged information and then drain financial accounts.”
Shen shared “a few simple tips” that consumers can use to protect themselves from impostor scams.
- Take your time to make financial decisions. Whether it’s investments or unsolicited offers, like the lottery or sweepstakes, don’t rush into sending your money to someone you don’t know.
- Is it really a representative from your bank sending that email or text? To be certain, call your bank at the number you were given when you opened your account. Don’t call a number you haven’t verified, and never click on links in an email or text.
- Grandparents: Before sending money to help a grandchild who says they’re in a desperate situation, make sure it’s really them. Call them or their parents at a number you recognize to confirm they sent you a message.
- If you meet someone over the internet who professes their love for you right away but needs financial assistance to meet you, exit the conversation as quickly as you can.
- The Postal Service will never send you an unsolicited text. Any text or email claiming you have a USPS delivery problem is designed to steal your personally identifiable information. Delete these messages, but before you do, send the bogus text or email to spam@uspis.gov.
- Put your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry at (888) 382-1222 or at donotcall.gov.
- If you are a victim of a scam or suspect fraud, report it: Submit an online report to the Inspection Service or call (877) 876-2455.