USPS warns of address verification scams
When people move, an essential step of the process is verifying their new address with the United States Postal Service. In the midst of the summer moving season, filling out a change-of-address form may not be at the top of people's list of priorities, but guarantees nothing gets lost in the mail, ensures the integrity of private information and protects against identity theft.
The United States Postal Inspection Service recently issued a crime alert report detailing a fraudulent practice occurring in Florida, California, Arizona, Oregon, Washington state and Texas. The Boston Globe reported that a number of Internet websites are masquerading as official change-of-address sites, asking customers to pay anywhere between $19.95 to $30 to register for a new address. Because a growing number of people opt to use their computer to amend their address, they may be more susceptible to online scams.
The complaint-registering website, Scambook, reported seeing 300 complaints concerning the issue. The fraudulent websites use pictures and language that reference the USPS, but many feature very small text indicating they are not affiliated with the Postal Service.
USPS website is the safest bet
The USPS reported that in 2010, 41.5 million people filed for a new address, a process that requires either utilizing online services provided by the federal organization or visiting a post office. Those who update information on their computers can expect to pay a fee of $1 for each submission. This is a one-time payment that is not associated with any other charges, such as a monthly payment or subscription. Customers who visit a post office in person can fill out the change-of-address form for free.
When moving locations, it is recommended that customers always refer to the official USPS website to conduct address validation or verification to reduce their chances of falling victim to Internet fraud schemes. Business must also keep up with consumers hopping town to town and state to state by investing in address verification software that ensures mailing data is accurate.