USPS® employees and contractors need to be aware of online scams, because they can compromise cybersecurity and put the USPS network at risk.
While there are many types of scams people can fall victim to, the cybercriminal typically preys on their intended targets via text messaging or email for financial gain.
Online scams to lookout for are:
n Phishing. Attacks through email or text messaging from cybercriminals replicating legitimate companies to steal your personal information.
n Ransomware. Blocks you from accessing your computer until you pay the “ransom.”
n Lottery scams. Messages you and claims you‘ve won a prize, but you must pay a fee to claim the prize.
n Bank fraud. Emails or text messages that look like they are from your bank requesting your personally identifiable information.
n Gift card scams. Coerces you to purchase gift cards and then steals the funds on your gift cards.
To avoid these online scams, the CyberSafe team at USPS® recommends following these tips:
n Slow down. Be suspicious of urgent messaging and requests to act fast.
n Verify. When buying gifts or donating to a charity, verify that the websites are legitimate, identify the mailing address associated with the organization, and confirm the customer service contact information.
n Don‘t click on suspicious links. Don‘t click on links from unsolicited emails or text messages or enter personal or banking information unless you verify the sender‘s identity.
n Report it. If you fall victim to a scam, immediately contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation‘s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
For more information on online scams, visit the Monthly Awareness Campaigns page at blue.usps.gov/cyber/comms-2023-archive.htm#accordion1s1 and the CyberSafe page at liteblue.usps.gov/cyber.
— Corporate Information Security Office,
Chief Information Office, 1-9-25
