Reporting scam mail
Reporting scam mail is an important step in helping to prevent others from falling victim to fraudulent schemes. Here are some steps you can follow to report scam mail:
- Keep the mail: Do not throw away the scam mail. Keeping it can help you provide evidence to authorities and can also help you to identify patterns or tactics used by scammers.
- Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC is a government agency that handles consumer complaints and works to prevent fraud. You can report the scam mail to the FTC online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
- Report to the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS): The USPIS is a law enforcement agency that investigates mail fraud and other crimes related to the mail. You can report the scam mail to the USPIS online or by calling 1-877-876-2455.
- Report to your local police department: Your local police department may also be able to take a report and provide guidance on how to proceed.
- Forward the mail to the FTC: The FTC has a special address where you can forward scam mail: Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Protection, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580.
- Check with your local post office: Your local post office may also have a process for reporting scam mail and can provide guidance on how to proceed.
When reporting scam mail, be prepared to provide the following information:
- A description of the mail, including the type of mail (e.g. letter, package), the sender's name and address, and any other relevant details.
- The date you received the mail.
- Any suspicious or threatening language used in the mail.
- Any requests for money or personal information.
- Any other relevant details that may help investigators.
Remember, reporting scam mail is an important step in helping to prevent others from falling victim to fraudulent schemes. By keeping the mail and reporting it to the appropriate authorities, you can help to bring scammers to justice and protect others from falling victim to their schemes.