Warning signs your mail has been fraudulently redirected
If you have reached your maximum number of articles on Fox News and want to continue reading, you will need to create a free account. By entering your email and agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, you can access more content. Change-of-address scams are a serious issue that can lead to financial losses and identity theft. This type of fraud involves scammers impersonating you to request a change of address with the USPS, allowing them to intercept your mail and use your information for fraudulent activities.
The process of a change-of-address scam starts with the scammer obtaining your personal information, such as your name and address, through people search sites. They then mail a fraudulent change-of-address request to the USPS, redirecting your mail to an address they control. Once they have access to your mail, they can look for sensitive information like bank statements, tax documents, and credit cards to commit further fraud.
There are warning signs to watch for if you suspect your mail has been redirected, such as a sudden decrease in the amount of mail you receive or unusual activity on your credit report. If you believe you are a victim of a change-of-address scam, contact the USPS and the Federal Trade Commission for assistance.
To prevent change-of-address scams, consider investing in personal data removal services to remove your information from data broker databases. Switching to paperless options, securing your mailbox, and using an identity theft protection service can also help protect your information. Enrolling in USPS Informed Delivery and reporting any suspicious activity immediately are additional steps you can take to safeguard against fraud.
By staying alert, securing your personal information, and taking proactive measures, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to change-of-address scams. Remember to act quickly if you suspect fraudulent activity to minimize the impact on your finances and personal information.
