The Postal Inspection Service is warning consumers about counterfeit stamps being sold on social media platforms.
The scams are costing USPS millions of dollars in lost revenue, said the announcement, posted on the U.S. Postal Service website.
Scammers sell the fake stamps on social media marketplaces, e-commerce websites and other sites. They also resell stolen goods at a deep discount and then ship them using counterfeit postage, according to the USPS.
To fight back, postal inspectors are working with online shopping platforms to identify sellers of counterfeit postage and seizing website domains related to the sale of counterfeit stamps.
Inspectors are also reviewing shipments on USPS docks and intercepting packages with counterfeit labels affixed.
Since October 2024, inspectors have seized $16.2 million in counterfeit stamps, and they’ve issued 358 voluntary discontinuance orders to individuals and businesses who have used counterfeit postage, the announcement said.
“The Postal Inspection Service has no tolerance for people who create, distribute or use counterfeit postage,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale. “These practices erode the inherent trust in the USPS brand, and it’s not fair to all the consumers and business owners who lawfully pay for postage.”
The Inspection Service urged consumers to purchase stamps directly from the Postal Service or from retailers that have legitimate resale agreements with the organization.
The Inspection Service announced a publicity campaign, which will include social media posts and news articles, advising consumers to avoid work-from-home scams involving counterfeit postage.
Merchandise is typically purchased with stolen credit cards and shipped using counterfeit shipping labels.
Consumers can avoid these job scams by contacting the human resources department of the company to verify if the job opportunity is legitimate, and they should verify the business with the appropriate state attorney general’s office, consumer affairs office, the Federal Trade Commission or the Better Business Bureau.
To report counterfeit postage, consumers should email or call the Inspection Service’s tip line at 877-876-2455.