Crime & Safety

Beware of Spam: U.S. Postal Inspection Service Issues Crime Alert

Bogus emails sent to postal customers.

This article originally was posted by Judy Davids.

Some postal customers are receiving bogus e-mails about a package delivery or online postage charges. The e-mails contain a link or attachment that, when opened, installs a malicious virus that can steal personal information from your personal computer.

The e-mails claim to be from the U.S. Postal Service and contain fraudulent information about an attempted or intercepted package delivery or online postage charges. You are instructed to click on a link, open the attachment, or print the label. 

But Postal Inspectors warn: Don't do it! 

Like most viruses sent by e-mail, clicking on the link or opening the attachment will activate a virus that can steal information—such as your user name, password, and financial account information. 

What to do? Simply delete the message without taking any further action. The Postal Inspection Service is working hard to resolve the issue and shut down the malicious program. 

If you have questions about a delivery or wish to report spam, please call 1-800-ASK-USPS or email spam@uspis.gov.

Source: United States Postal Service


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