At the heart of most identity theft schemes is an attempt to lull the victim into a false sense of security. Often, this false sense of security is established when fraudsters disguise themselves as trusted agents of the government or other institutions in which we have placed our faith.
Recently, the United States Postal Service released a warning to customers of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The essence of the alert asks people to be aware of all requests for personal information, including those coming under the apparent claim of legitimate Post Office business.
News agencies nationwide are passing along the Post Office’s message to beware of the latest trick employed by would be identity thieves.
Criminal Activity Via Email and Phone Calls
It is in our human nature to presumptively rely on the people with whom we interact in our day-to-day lives. This presumption is often increased during encounters with familiar people or organizations, such as the Post Office. However, modern life and its realities demand that we scrutinize all interactions when personal information is being solicited, no matter who we believe is asking.
This latest bout of identity theft includes the use of emails and phone calls that purport to come from the United States Post Office. The facilitators of this scheme are reaching out to the unsuspecting saying that, after multiple tries, the Post Office failed to deliver an important parcel to the recipient’s residence. However, as per Post Office policy, legitimate officials will only call a customer’s home when there is a shipment of a live animal.
Be Diligent
All phone calls related to other types of deliveries should be greeted with the utmost suspicion, according to the Post Office. In the name of safety, officials urge verifying any calls by contacting the local Post Office branch and making inquiries. Furthermore, Post Office officials emphatically warn that no personal information be shared over the phone for any reason without first verifying the legitimacy of the call.
If you have been contacted by someone claiming to be from the Post Office, you should immediately report the incident to the proper authorities. This can be accomplished by dialing 561-845-2510 and speaking with the Postal Inspection Service.
Email is also being used in the same fashion. In the emails, there is a message saying that a failed delivery attempt has occurred. Contained in the email is a link that the recipient is urged to click.
Do not click the link without first verifying the legitimacy of the email. If the email is in fact sent from fraudsters, a virus will be downloaded on to victim’s computer once the link is opened. The virus installs a malicious program on the victim’s computer designed to locate, compromise, and acquire personal information stored on the machine.
Contact Identity theft Attorneys
Don’t wait if you or a loved one has been impacted by identity theft. Please contact identity theft attorneys West Palm Beach at Fetterman and Associates and our team of experienced attorneys immediately at 561-845-2510 for a free legal consultation.