POSTAL INSPECTORS WARN OF IMPOSTOR SCAMS.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is urging consumers to remain alert to scammers posing as representatives from various Federal government agencies, including the Postal Service, Social Security Administration, and the Internal Revenue Service.

Usually, these scammers will call or email; use misrepresentations and threats; and demand immediate payment to resolve an issue specific to the scam. The scammers then will direct victims to remit payment via a variety of methods, including cash or check in the U.S. Mail, FedEx, or UPS. Victims also may be instructed to pay via gift cards, virtual currency, or wire transfer.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, in 2019, impostor scams were the No. 1 fraud reported, with people losing more than $667,000,000 in that year alone. Social Security impostors were the top government impostor scam reported. Already in 2020, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service has seen an increase in scammers who impersonate the Postal Service, often through email pitches.

How can these impostors be combatted? The U.S. Postal Inspection Service reminds consumers:

* Do not be pressured into making immediate financial decisions.

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