Feds issue nationwide
mail fraud warning
The U.S. Postal Service is warning the public to be aware of mail fraud schemes that target elderly citizens, the message of its recent National Consumer Protection Week.
The top five mail fraud scams -- identified by the Postal Inspection Service and USPS Consumer Affairs -- are free-prize schemes, foreign lotteries, pyramid schemes, investment fraud rip-offs and work-at-home schemes. Most of the schemes rob consumers, mostly seniors, of their life savings.
On visits to elderly parents, other family members or friends, look for stacks of unsolicited mail proclaiming the recipient to be a guaranteed winner or offering lottery tickets for sale.
Watch for an unusual number of packages on hand containing inexpensive costume jewelry, plastic cameras or wristwatches.
Note if they are receiving unsolicited telephone calls from fast-talking operators offering "fantastic" opportunities to claim prizes or make sure-fire investments.
Volunteer to help balance checkbooks, and ask about any questionable checks or sudden, large withdrawals or charges.
Offer to pick up their mail to see if they are receiving unsolicited sweepstakes or lottery offers. Suggest they talk over such offers with someone before accepting them.
To prevent mail fraud, you can place an elderly person on the National "Do Not Call" Registry, located online at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/donotcall/index.html, or arrange for an unlisted phone number.
