The Postal Inspection Service will begin its “Cut Out Crime” holiday campaign on Thursday, Nov. 13.
The campaign will offer tips for customers to keep their holiday purchases and personal information safe and aims to combat stolen mail and packages; phishing and smishing scams; and brushing and quishing schemes.
The agency offers these tips for employees and customers:
• Don’t provide personal information to unknown sources;
• Always be suspicious of text messages or emails that request personal or business information;
• Ignore unexpected or unsolicited text messages or emails, and do not click on links in those messages;
• Don’t scan unknown QR codes;
• Avoid leaving letters and packages in their mailbox or at their door for any length of time;
• Don’t send cash in the mail; and
• Request signature confirmation on packages and add package tracking.
Customers can ask a trusted neighbor to pick up their mail and packages, or use the Postal Service’s Hold Mail service, Hold for Pickup service or a delivery locker.
Customers are also encouraged to save doorbell camera recordings of anyone stealing U.S. Mail and contact the Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 or uspis.gov/report.
Postal Service employees and contractors should forward any suspicious emails received on USPS-issued devices to the Inspection Service. Suspicious text messages can be sent to 7726.
The Inspection Service’s Cut Out Crime website has more information.
