Telemarketers Masquerading as USPS Workers

The Postal Inspection Service is warning postal customers to avoid a telemarketing scam targeting personal information such as birth dates and Social Security numbers.

Fraudsters masquerading as USPS employees are phoning residents and requesting birth dates and Social Security numbers as requirements for package delivery. While the Postal Service may require proof of age to sign for certain items, it never asks for Social Security numbers.

The Postal Service recently introduced an Adult Signature Required service for shipping ― including Express Mail service, Priority Mail and certain Parcel Select services.

Recipients must show government-issued photo identification that includes a date of birth. This verification must be made in person and never will be requested by phone. Adult Signature Required mailpieces cannot be left at an address without first obtaining the signature of an adult who is 21 years of age or older.

The Postal Inspection Service says safeguarding personal information is crucial to financial well-being. Employees and customers never should provide Social Security numbers or birth dates over the phone if they didn’t initiate contact.