(WLNS) — The vacations are approaching and USPS is reminding of us to be cautious of scams and fraud.
One rip-off, for instance, is known as “brushing,” the place somebody sends low-value objects to random addresses with out consent. These packages will often comprise a QR code, and if scanned, comprise monitoring knowledge firms can use to put up critiques and inflate retailer rankings.
This monitoring knowledge can expose residents to extra rip-off calls and phishing, a manner for scammers to get victims to disclose private info.
One other situation for the postal service is the protection of postal carriers throughout the vacation season. Mark Inglett, strategic communications specialist at USPS, mentioned that since launching Undertaking Protected Supply in 2023, the group has seen 27% fewer robberies and has made 2,800 arrests for mail theft.
“Our partners at the Postal Inspection Service do a great job,” Inglett mentioned. “There’s a lot of times, if you’re suspicious of something, let us know if there’s something that seems out of the ordinary.”
USPS shared the next suggestions for residents:
Promptly retrieve your mail after supply
Don’t depart delivered packages and/or mail unattended in a single day
Keep away from leaving checks in your mailbox for prolonged intervals of time
In case you’re going out of city, place a maintain in your mail on the native put up workplace
Join knowledgeable supply to obtain alerts in your incoming mail.
Report suspicious exercise to 911 and to USPIS
Do not share monetary info with anybody you do not know or belief
Assessment companies and folks as greatest as you may earlier than sending them any cash
Seek the advice of with a trusted buddy or relative earlier than contemplating any promotion, supply or monetary dedication
Block telemarketing calls and ignore unknown callers
