US Postal Service Fraud Warning: Guidelines for Reporting Dubious Emails and Messages Regarding Phishing Attempts
In today's digital world, it's crucial to remain vigilant against online threats, particularly phishing scams. One such platform that has become a target for cybercriminals is the United States Postal Service (USPS). Here's a guide on how to spot and report USPS phishing attempts.
Firstly, it's essential to regularly monitor your financial statements for any suspicious activity. Remember never to share your personal identification information through unsecured email channels.
When encountering a suspected USPS phishing email, there are official channels to report it. If you're using an Outlook email on a USPS ACE desktop or laptop, use the **"Report to CyberSafe — PhishAlarm"** tool, which is located on the Home toolbar of your email program. This tool analyses the suspicious email and takes appropriate action.
If you're not using this Outlook tool or need to report phishing by email, forward the suspicious email to the official USPS phishing reporting address, often **[email protected]**. If you're unsure, using the Outlook “Report to CyberSafe — PhishAlarm” button is the official channel provided by USPS for internal email reporting.
To protect yourself from phishing scams, USPS and cybersecurity experts recommend scrutinising sender email addresses and URLs for subtle variations, avoiding clicking links in unsolicited emails, looking out for generic greetings and poor grammar, being wary of urgent or threatening language, verifying unexpected attachments and links via official channels, using multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure accounts, and being cautious of emails asking for personal or financial information.
For detailed guidance on spotting and avoiding USPS phishing scams, follow official USPS announcements or trusted cybersecurity resources. The USPS provides resources such as CyberSafe at USPS Blue (blue.usps.gov/cyber), LiteBlue Security Portal (liteblue.usps.gov/cyber), and Monthly Awareness Campaigns page.
If you need further official contact information, USPS customer service or your IT department may provide direct CyberSafe reporting emails.
Remember, knowing the warning signs and how to report USPS phishing scams is crucial for protecting your personal and financial information. Digital safety means reporting early and using tools like identity theft monitoring services to help catch cybercriminals. Always check the authenticity of emails claiming to be from USPS before taking any action.
Cybercriminals use various tricks such as return-to-email scams, urgent messages, fake delivery notices, and invoice scams. Always be careful with emails and never click on bad links. Watch for spelling mistakes, urgent messages, and emails asking for personal or financial information to identify a phishing email from USPS.
Report all phishing attempts, even if no financial loss occurred, to help stop future scams. Set up email alerts and regularly check these platforms to stay informed about the latest scam alerts.
When discovering you've fallen victim to a USPS phishing scam, act fast by changing passwords for all important accounts, contacting your bank about possible fraud, monitoring your credit report for any sudden changes, reporting suspicious emails to the USPS fraud department, and keeping records of any scam interactions.
Two-factor authentication, strong passwords, and regular account monitoring are important security practices for protecting personal information online. It's a good idea to make easy-to-understand resources like infographics or short videos to help others spot scams.
More help is available at the Federal Trade Commission's ReportFraud.ftc.gov website, which helps with documenting and tracking phishing incidents. Report phishing emails fast, as the sooner you report, the faster authorities can act. Most recommend reporting within 24-48 hours of getting a suspicious email.
Together, we can make the internet safer by reporting USPS phishing scams and educating others about online safety. The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is the main reporting place for USPS phishing incidents. Educating others about phishing is important for keeping the online world safe. Share real-world examples of phishing emails, demonstrate how to identify suspicious messages, explain the importance of verifying sender information, and teach basic online safety practices.
- To protect your personal and financial information from phishing attacks, regularly monitor your financial statements for any suspicious activity and never share your personal identification information through unsecured email channels.
- In case of a suspected USPS phishing email, use the "Report to CyberSafe — PhishAlarm" tool if you're using an Outlook email on a USPS ACE desktop or laptop. Alternatively, forward the suspicious email to the official USPS phishing reporting address, often [email protected].
- To enhance your online safety, stay informed about the latest scam alerts by setting up email alerts and regularly checking trusted resources such as the USPS CyberSafe at USPS Blue, LiteBlue Security Portal, and Monthly Awareness Campaigns page. Additionally, report all phishing attempts, even if no financial loss occurred, to help stop future scams.
