Rear view of several USPS mail trucks parked in a row.
Share this @internewscast.com

THE United States Postal Service has given a stark warning about a rise in scams targeting customers’ personal information. 

The agency has seen a rise in several types of mail scams, including a new tactic plaguing customers.

Rear view of several USPS mail trucks parked in a row.
The USPS warned of a new scam targeting customersCredit: Getty
Woman looking troubled at her smartphone.
Text message scams cost Americans $470 million last yearCredit: Getty

Brushing scams, in which people receive products they never ordered, have become an increasing problem, as noted by the USPS. These scams involve merchants who send out unsolicited items to fabricate customer reviews.

U.S. Postal Inspector Kelly McNulty explained to Albuquerque NBC affiliate KOB that these scams involve unsuspecting individuals getting packages with inexpensive items like household products.

If customers are targeted via brushing, it could mean their personal information is at risk. 

According to McNulty, these packages often originate from online retailers or third parties using stolen personal details to set up fake transactions.

“If the item you receive was not something you ordered or were expecting, you may return it to the sender, throw it away, or keep it,” a spokesperson for the USPS told The U.S. Sun.  

“Don’t be swindled or talked into paying for the item. Change your login passwords for the retailer and monitor your finances, including credit card statements and credit reports. This could be an indication your personal information may have been compromised.”

BEWARE OF SMISHING AND PHISHING

Another type of scam USPS warned about is smishing – fake texts that ask for personal information.

Smishing is one of the latest ways criminals disguised as the United States Postal Service have been stealing social security and credit card numbers. 

The most reported text scams in 2024 were fake package delivery issue messages typically from the USPS, according to the Federal Trade Commission

The texts include a link that leads to a website mimicking the postal service’s own. 

FBI Issues Urgent Warning: Delete Scam Texts Immediately to Protect Your Information

It also asks for a “redelivery fee.”

“Treat your personal information like cash,” McNulty said during a press conference. “Think before you send it.” 

Phishing scams, similar to smishing except they are sent via email, have also increased. 

In 2024, the FTC reported $470 million in losses from text message scams – almost $100 million more than 2023. 

What is Brushing?

Some consumers have reported recieving unexpected deliveries of packages with items they did not order, but they could be victims of a scam.

Although these could seem harmless or even pleasant these people could be victims of “Brushing.”

Brushing is when someone receives a package with items they did not order.

These packages are actually typically sent by third-party sellers who have the recipient’s name and address available.

Once the package has been sent it is listed as a verified purchase through popular e-commerce sites like Amazon.

The purpose of this is that scammers can then post fake positive reviews of these items under the recipient’s name.

This in turn would help to boost their products and earn scammers more sales and profit.

Consumers should be particularly wary as this scam could also reveal a recipient’s personal information has been compromised online.

Source: United States Postal Inspection Service

The postal service urged customers to never click on links and insisted the USPS would never send unsolicited text messages.

If an unknown package arrives on your doorstep, the agency has urged customers to report it to the United States Postal Inspection Service. 

“Combating mail theft and violent crimes against our employees is of the highest priority for the Postal Service and Postal Inspection Service,” CEO and Postmaster General Doug Tulino said.

Fake stamps are another concern for the USPS.

The agency has recommended buying stamps only from its locations or approved retailers. 

KEEP YOUR MAIL SAFE

Project Safe Delivery, an initiative aimed at catching those committing mail-related crime, has led to over 2,800 arrests since 2023. 

Despite the rise in scams, big changes are coming to the agency. 

Starting July 1, price hikes are expected to begin with possible delays for some packages. 

Temporary Postmaster Tulino was placed at the helm when former Postmaster Louis DeJoy suddenly stepped down in March 2025 after he allowed Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to assess the agency’s finances. 

Now, Tulino will be replaced by White House-backed David Steiner in July, postal workers criticizing the new appointee as concerns over the possible privatization of the agency arose. 

“Private shippers have been waiting to get USPS out of parcel delivery for years,” the National Association of Letter Carriers, which represents 295,000 active and retired workers, said. “Steiner’s selection is an open invitation to do just that.”

In March, the USPS announced that it would be cutting its workforce by 10,000 workers via voluntary buyouts. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Passengers and first responders at an ICE train following an axe attack.

An attacker armed with an axe and a hammer injures at least four people in a rampage on a crowded high-speed train in Germany.

At least four individuals sustained injuries when a man wielding an axe…
Putin rebuffs Trump in call, vows to press on with Ukraine war

Putin Rejects Trump’s Call, Commits to Continuing Ukraine Conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin once more declined to cease his war in…
Police officers at a Chicago crime scene.

Tragedy Strikes Chicago: 3 Dead, 16 Injured in Nightclub Shooting Following Rapper’s Album Release Party

THREE individuals lost their lives and 16 others were hurt in a…
Kay Adams' first pitch at Cubs game wasn’t even close

Kay Adams’ First Pitch at Cubs Game Misses the Mark

FanDuel TV host Kay Adams said she wanted “accuracy” when she threw…
Sabu has died: WWE star was 60

Cause of Death for ‘Star Wars’ Actor Kenneth Colley Disclosed

Colley may most notably be known as Admiral Piett in the original…
Woman arrested for murder in connection to man found dead at Jacksonville apartment complex

Woman Arrested for Murder in Death of Man at Jacksonville Apartment Complex

Journee McGrew, 21, faces charges of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence,…
Why Syria plays a key role in Trump’s plans for Middle East peace

How Syria Influences Trump’s Middle East Peace Strategy

Earlier in the week, President Donald Trump issued an executive order that…
Blood stain on a sidewalk after a stabbing.

Panic Erupts as Attacker Wields Knife, Injuring Several at Crowded Finnish Shopping Mall

MULTIPLE people are injured after a knifeman went on a rampage and…
4th of July fireworks: Non-residents must pay $8-10 fee to attend South Holland holiday display, village officials say

South Holland Charges $8-10 Admission Fee for Non-Residents to Attend 4th of July Fireworks Display, Officials Announce

SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (WLS) — Those planning to go to the South…
Special Ed Teacher Indicted on 52 Abuse Charges

Special Education Teacher Faces 52 Charges of Abuse

Christina Formella, a former Downers Grove South High School special education teacher,…
How Rhode Island finally pushed a partial assault weapons ban over the finish line

How Rhode Island Successfully Passed a Partial Ban on Assault Weapons

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — After over a decade of efforts, Rhode Island…
David Peterson bounces back to lead Mets in series win over Brewers

David Peterson Shines as Mets Secure Series Victory Against Brewers

A good start can do a lot. It can provide cover for…