Big Bear, CA, October 22, 2015 – Seniors are being specifically targeted in a ‘Postage Due’ scam to obtain bank account and credit card information. Scam artists are delivering official looking notices to mailboxes stating that a package is being held pending payment of the postage due. The fraudulent notice provides a telephone number that belongs to the scam artists. If you call, they inform you that they will deliver the package as soon as you pay the postage due, plus a delivery and/or processing fee. They request your bank account or credit card information to make it ‘more convenient’ for you to pay the amount due.
The charges may be nominal, but now they have your financial information. The following tips can help you protect yourself from this type of scam. Never give out your bank account or credit card information. Never wire money or use a pre-paid debit card. Keep track of everything you order and the contact information of the seller. Never react quickly to a request for money. Do not feel pressured by a due date on an unsolicited notice or package. If you receive something you did not order, contact your local Post Office. Do not call the number on the notice.
If you think you may be a victim of a scam, contact San Bernardino County Adult Protective Services at (877)565-2020, or your local police department.
