There's Still Time for Last-Minute Mailing (and Avoiding Scammers)
As everyone should be aware, scammers and crooks aren't taking a holiday this week. A holiday season alert from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service urges the public to beware of bogus emails being sent to postal customers.
The U.S. Postal Service reports that post offices nationwide will be open Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, although many of them will shorten their lobby hours and close at noon, giving the employees a break. Local holiday hours will be posted at each post office; business customers should check with their Bulk Mail Entry Unit for hours of operation.
Blue USPS collection boxes with final collection times before 12 noon will not be affected by the early closing on Dec. 24, but mail may be picked up earlier from boxes with final collection times after 12 noon. And mail will be delivered as usual on Dec. 24.
USPS post offices will be closed on Dec. 25 and regular mail won't be delivered that day.
Meanwhile, as everyone should be aware, scammers and crooks aren't taking a holiday this week. A holiday season alert from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service urges the public to beware of bogus emails being sent to postal customers:
"Some postal customers are receiving bogus emails about a package delivery or online postage charges. The emails contain a link or attachment that, when opened, installs a malicious virus that can steal personal information from your PC," it says. "The emails claim to be from the U.S. Postal Service and contain fraudulent information about an attempted or intercepted package delivery or online postage charges. You are instructed to click on a link, open the attachment, or print the label. But Postal Inspectors warn: Don't do it!
"Like most viruses sent by email, clicking on the link or opening the attachment will activate a virus that can steal information—such as your user name, password, and financial account information. What to do? Simply delete the message without taking any further action. The Postal Inspection Service is working hard to resolve the issue and shut down the malicious program."
Anyone who has questions about a delivery or wants to report postal-related spam may call 1-800-ASK-USPS or email [email protected].