If you’ve received an unexpected check in a UPS envelope, it is likely a scam. Unfortunately, many Americans, including myself, have fallen victim to online crooks who hacked into our UPS accounts. These scammers charged exorbitant overnight shipping fees by sending UPS envelopes from fake companies that contained fraudulent checks. Luckily, I was alerted by UPS when there was activity in my account, and some of the envelopes were returned as undeliverable. Upon opening these envelopes, I discovered checks totaling over $100,000. My account had been charged $40,000, and the charges were still increasing. This UPS next-day check scam is highly deceptive.
To avoid falling victim to this fake check UPS scam, it is important to understand how it works. Scammers target victims through the mail, specifically using UPS. They send official-looking envelopes, often through UPS Next Day Air, addressed to the recipient with a check made out in their name. If you were not expecting a check, this is a tactic to entice you to cash a fraudulent check. If you do cash or deposit the check, it will likely bounce or, worse, money will be removed from your account. The scammers then follow up with a mailer claiming that you were overpaid and requesting a portion to be returned. The victim, thinking they have received a generous sum, gladly sends back a check for a smaller amount. However, this is a trap, and the original check is not valid. Scammers usually use stolen bank account information to send these fake checks, hoping that you will deposit it before realizing the funds don’t exist.
To protect yourself, watch out for red flags. If you receive a check unexpectedly, be cautious. Even if you are expecting a check, be wary if the amount is higher than promised. Always scrutinize the sender and the bank involved. Additionally, consider how scammers may have obtained your name and address. They often collect this information through methods like job postings or online sales. Be cautious when providing personal information and only accept purchases through secure platforms like PayPal Goods and Services.
It is also important to be aware of people search sites that gather information from public records. These sites can be accessed by anyone, including identity thieves. Cyberstalkers may use this information to pose as your bank and extract further personal details to take over your financial accounts. While it is possible to request data brokers to remove your information, there is no guarantee that it will stay deleted. Removal services can help automate the process of removing your information from numerous sites, providing ongoing monitoring and protection.
If you receive a suspicious check in the mail, do not deposit it. Instead, use the FDIC’s Bank Find Suite to check if it was sent through an FDIC-insured institution. Report the fake check to UPS or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In the case of receiving a check through USPS, report it to the United States Postal Inspection Service.
In conclusion, if you receive an unsolicited check in a UPS envelope, it is most likely a scam. Look out for red flags, such as unexpected checks or larger amounts than anticipated. Be cautious about sharing personal information and take the necessary steps to protect yourself from potential scams. Stay vigilant, informed, and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
