ROCHELLE, IL — Are you receiving emails from the Postal Service about missing a package delivery? Does the email, which claims to be from the USPS, include a label with fraudulent information about an attempted or intercepted package delivery? If so, don’t open the email, because it may contain a link or attachment that, when opened, installs a malicious virus that can steal personal information from your computer.

The emails claim to be from the U.S. Postal Service and contain fraudulent information about an attempted or intercepted package delivery. The emails instruct customers to click on a link to find out when they can expect delivery. But Rochelle Postmaster Paul Charboneau is asking customers not to do it. “We want to keep our customers safe,” said Charboneau. “Lately, we’ve been receiving complaints from customers about receiving emails about missing delivery.”

Like most viruses sent by email, clicking on the link or opening the attachment will activate a virus that can steal information—such as a customer’s user name, password, and financial account information.

What to do? Simply delete the message without taking any further action. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is working hard to resolve the issue and shut down the malicious program. “If you’re not sure about the email you received, you can delete the message or contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service,” adds Charboneau.

Postmaster Warner also offers these tips on spotting scam emails:

• The text contains poor grammar or spelling errors.
• The text states immediate action must be taken or customer could face dire consequences.
• The email requests personal information under the guise of re-confirming information.
• The text from an “automated message system” states “Click on this link for details.”

Customers who have questions or wish to report a scam email should call 1-800-275-8777 or email spam@uspis.gov.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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