Staff writer
The Postal Service is warning customers of a recent scam that seems to be gaining popularity.
Scammers are sending people fake emails claiming a package is awaiting them at the post office because it failed to be delivered or payment for postage is requested. The e-mail provides a link customers are requested to click to print a new label for their package. Once the link is opened, a virus is downloaded to the customer’s computer.
“USPS never contacts customers via e-mail,” Lori Kelsey, postmaster for Marion, said. “We always send inquires through the mail.”
Kelsey has received several inquiries from customers about similar emails.
“It’s really been rampant the past few weeks,” she said. “One woman that called said she had clicked on the link and it messed her computer up.”
The goal of the scam is to get personal information such as passwords and banking information from personal computers.
“I’ve reported the scam and we’re working on a way to block the emails,” Kelsey said.
Those who receive an e-mail are asked to report it to their local post office and forward it to spam@uspis.gov.
“We want to gather as many emails as possible to help track where they’re coming from,” Kelsey said.
Similar emails have been reported to Hillsboro and Peabody post offices.
Hillsboro Postmaster Kathy Woelk said she has received some of the emails and that similar scams have been reported before.
“It’s a scam that comes and goes,” she said. “We send out letters to our customers warning them about the scam.”