The Postal Service is reminding employees and contractors to be on guard for cybercrimes involving deceptive phone calls.
Vishing, or voice phishing, is a type of scam where cybercriminals call people to get them to reveal sensitive personal and financial information — including passwords, documents or USPS data.
The scammers often research their targets and claim to represent trusted organizations. They can also falsify the information displayed on the recipient’s caller ID, so it appears the call is coming from a different number.
According to the Postal Inspection Service, some cybercriminals use vishing to impersonate the voices of USPS employees and executives.
Falling prey to a vishing scam on a USPS-issued mobile device can result in stolen credentials, identity theft and significant damage to the Postal Service’s reputation. Business operations could also be disrupted, costing the organization significant time and money.
Here is how to avoid vishing scams:
• Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. When possible, let the call go to voicemail.
• Verify the call. Follow up on a suspicious inquiry by calling the purported entity’s official phone number.
• End the call. If a call seems suspicious or confusing, hang up immediately.
• Report the call. Contact the organization being impersonated or the Postal Inspection Service.
If you receive a call from someone impersonating a Postal Service employee, email the Inspection Service’s Cyber Crime Unit.
Include your name and contact information, a summary of the call, and the name and contact information used by the scammer.
