Florida news

March 3, 2023

National Consumer Protection Week
Postal Inspectors to Take Aim at Romance Scams At USPS Lobby Events in Fort Lauderdale, Miami

SOUTH FLORIDA — Are you looking for love in all the wrong places?

In observance of National Consumer Protection Week, March 5-11, the Postal Inspection Service is taking aim at those who steal more than hearts: romance scammers. On Wednesday, March 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Postal Inspectors will promote awareness about online romance scams at these free events open to the public:

Miami General Mail Facility (GMF) Lobby
2200 NW 72 Ave, Miami, FL

Fort Lauderdale Main Post Office Lobby
1900 West Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Unfortunately, the Internet, social media, and dating websites are perfect for tricking susceptible people into romantic relationships. Scammers will pretend to be interested in an unwitting person and, after building a rapport, ask them to send money or to cash a check or money order. Often, the scammers create urgency by claiming to have a medical emergency or promising to come to the U.S. to be with that person — just as long as a check or money order is cashed to cover expenses.

Although many dating sites take steps to provide a safe forum for meeting online, you can do more to protect yourself from scamming fraudsters to keep safe online relationships. Romance scams hit twice: once in the heart, and then in the pocketbook.

# # #

The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 169 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.

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

For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter; Instagram; Pinterest; Threads and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.

USPS NEWS

Media contacts