Daily printout: June 12, 2024

The Postal Service is reminding employees that the Privacy Act of 1974 applies to collecting, using and maintaining personal information.

If a USPS business initiative involves any personally identifiable information, team members should contact the Postal Service’s Privacy and Records Management Office to determine whether the act’s provisions apply.

Here are some points about the Privacy Act employees should keep in mind:

• A Privacy Act statement must be provided when asking for personal information. The purpose of the statement is to provide informed consent and to explain why the organization is collecting information and how it will be used and to whom it will be disclosed.

The Privacy Act statement also discloses the authority the Postal Service is relying on to collect the data and what will happen if the information is not provided.

• Once information is collected and maintained by the Postal Service, disclosures to third parties are limited.

• Disclosure of information inside the organization is also generally prohibited without a need to know or explicit consent. The need to know is limited to those who require the information to perform official functions or duties.

Employees with questions can email the USPS Ethics Office or call the helpline at 202-268-6346.

The Postal Inspection Service is warning USPS employees and the public of a new identity fraud scheme called vishing — short for voice phishing — where scammers try to hook you as soon as you answer the phone.

The scammers will call from a number that may look familiar or even appear to be from a legitimate source, such as your bank or a government agency.

The caller, however, is anything but legit. They may claim there’s an issue with your account or a problem that requires your immediate attention and ask for sensitive information, such as a Social Security or credit card number.

Here are some tips from the Inspection Service to avoid getting hooked:

• Verify the caller: If they ask for personal information, hang up and call the company or organization directly using a number from their official website or your account statement.

• Don’t be pressured: Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to get you to act quickly. Take your time; never provide information on the spot.

• Request and report: Place your number on the National Do Not Call Registry and report suspicious calls to the Federal Trade Commission.

• Keep personal information private: Never share sensitive data over the phone.

The Inspection Service is promoting identity fraud awareness throughout June. The agency’s website has more information.