Return mail processing scam

The "Return Mail Processing" scam!

This is a type of phishing scam that has been circulating in recent years, targeting individuals and businesses. Here's how it typically works:

The Scam:

You receive an email or letter claiming to be from a legitimate company, such as the United States Postal Service (USPS) or a private mail processing company. The message states that there is a problem with your mail delivery or processing, and that you need to take immediate action to resolve the issue.

The scammer may claim that your mail has been delayed, lost, or misdirected, and that you need to provide personal and financial information to rectify the situation. They may also threaten to suspend your mail delivery or impose fines if you don't comply.

The Goal:

The goal of the scammer is to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as:

  1. Your Social Security number or other personal identification numbers.
  2. Your credit card numbers or financial information.
  3. Your login credentials for online accounts.

Once the scammer has this information, they can use it to commit identity theft, steal your money, or access your financial accounts.

Red Flags:

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

  1. Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prompt you into taking action quickly, without thinking twice.
  2. Suspicious links or attachments: Be cautious of links or attachments from unknown senders, as they may contain malware or viruses.
  3. Poor grammar or spelling: Legitimate companies usually have professional communication, so be wary of emails with poor grammar or spelling.
  4. Unusual requests: If a company is asking for sensitive information or unusual payment methods, it's likely a scam.

What to Do:

If you receive a suspicious email or letter claiming to be from a mail processing company, do not respond or provide any information. Instead:

  1. Verify the authenticity of the message by contacting the company directly using a phone number or email address you know is legitimate.
  2. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local authorities.
  3. Consider reporting the scam to the USPS or other relevant authorities, depending on the company mentioned in the scam.

Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when dealing with unsolicited emails or letters. If it seems too good (or bad) to be true, it probably is!