DETROIT, MI —The U.S. Postal Service and the Postal Inspection Service today held a press briefing to help safeguard the public against consumer fraud and identity theft. This includes continued efforts to protect the public from rising threats of phishing, smishing and brushing scams in Detroit and nationwide. Also highlighted were the impactful outcomes of Project Safe Delivery, the joint initiative to combat mail-related crime, protect letter carriers and safeguard the nation’s mailstream.

  “Combating mail theft and violent crimes against our employees is of the highest priority for the Postal Service and Postal Inspection Service,” said Acting Postmaster General and CEO Doug Tulino. “Through our continued, dedicated efforts, we are committed to making the America’s mail system safer — from ensuring the protection of our letter carriers to making sure packages and mail make it to their destination safely and efficiently.” 

Combatting the Latest Phishing, Smishing and Brushing Scams 

During the 2024 holiday season, USPS and USPIS witnessed a surge in new, sophisticated phishing and smishing scams. Phishing involves deceiving consumers into divulging sensitive information through deceptive emails, while smishing uses misleading SMS messages to achieve the same goal. These phishing and smishing attacks may appear to be from the Postal Service, but they are not, and individuals should not interact with them under any circumstances. 

Brushing scams, also a growing concern, involve sending unsolicited items to consumers from a seller who then posts fake customer reviews to boost sales. USPS and USPIS warn the public that if they should receive suspicious, unsolicited packages, it is critical to report them immediately to the Postal Inspection Service to help keep your personal data safe.  

Tips to Protect Consumers from Scam Attempts

• USPS does not send unsolicited text messages. Any text message or email claiming that there is an issue with your package delivery is likely an attack.
• USPS text messages NEVER include links.
• Treat your personal information like cash.  Don’t click on any links.
• Forward USPS-related spam emails to spam@uspis.gov; forward smishing/text messages to 7726.
• For more tips on preventing scams, listen at Mailin' It! - Avoiding Holiday Scams and watch at USPS TV - Don't Let your letter carrier get snowed.

Project Safe Delivery

Launched in May 2023, Project Safe Delivery is a joint initiative by USPS and USPIS to combat mail-related crime, enhance letter carrier safety, and protect the public’s mail and packages. From FY23-FY24, Project Safe Delivery has resulted in a 27% reduction in letter carrier robberies, and, to date, more than 2,800 arrests related to mail theft and related crimes have been made.

Key aspects of the Project Safe Delivery initiative include: 

• Education and outreach: USPIS has reached over 169 million addresses through regular outreach programs delivered by 34,000+ Post Offices. These programs empower residents and businesses with tools to protect their mail, provide guidance on avoiding identity frauds like smishing and brushing, and educate the public on how to prevent mail theft. Monetary rewards for information on mail crimes have also been increased.
• Coordination with local law enforcement: USPIS has partnered with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to amplify its impact. In the past year alone, USPIS conducted 14 targeted “surges” in high-crime areas, resulting in more than 1,500 investigative actions and dozens of arrests. Partnerships with local law enforcement agencies have created a “force multiplier” effect, enhancing the program’s reach and effectiveness. By deterring theft and providing safer access for customers, the initiative has reinforced trust in USPS’s role as a reliable and secure mail carrier.
• Technological innovation: The use of advanced forensic technology has accelerated the investigation and resolution of mail theft cases, providing greater accuracy in tracking criminal activity. 
• Public awareness on fraud prevention: Project Safe Delivery emphasizes simple, actionable steps for customers to protect their mail. Key tips include retrieving mail promptly, avoiding leaving checks in mailboxes overnight, and reporting suspicious activity. Additionally, customers are cautioned about counterfeit stamps and urged to purchase postage only from official USPS vendors. 

To learn more about how Project Safe Delivery is helping combat mail-related crimes and keep postal employees safe, visit the official USPIS website at uspis.gov/project-safe-delivery. And for more information on the Postal Service’s transformation and modernization strategies, visit USPS.com.

The United States Postal Service is an equal opportunity employer offering a fast-paced, rewarding work environment with competitive compensation packages, on-the-job training, and opportunities for advancement.

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