USPS Warns New Jersey Residents About New “Vishing” Scam

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Scams are evolving, and now there’s a new one targeting unsuspecting individuals in New Jersey. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is warning residents about a rising threat known as “vishing.” If you recently learned about “phishing” scams, brace yourself—this one takes deception to the next level.

What is “Phishing”?

Before diving into vishing, let’s revisit phishing. Phishing scams primarily occur through email, where cybercriminals impersonate reputable companies such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Home Depot. These emails often mimic official shipping or delivery notifications, tricking recipients into clicking fraudulent links. The goal? To steal sensitive information like usernames, passwords, or credit card details.

If you receive an unexpected email about a package you never ordered, do not click on any links unless you verify the sender’s legitimacy.

What is the “Vishing” Scam?

Now, let’s talk about the latest scam: vishing (short for “voice phishing”). Unlike phishing, which relies on emails, vishing involves scammers calling their victims while pretending to be from a legitimate organization—often the USPS or a bank.

The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) warns that fraudsters are spoofing phone numbers to make their calls appear as though they are from an official government agency. Their objective? To manipulate you into sharing personal and financial details.

How Does the “Vishing” Scam Work?

Scammers pretending to be USPS postal inspectors may claim:

• You are under investigation for a crime.
• You must verify personal or financial records.
• You need to send money or provide payment information.

To sound more convincing, they might even direct you to look up the USPS Inspection Service’s phone number to validate their credibility. But don’t be fooled—this is a common social engineering tactic designed to gain your trust.

USPS Reminders: How to Stay Safe

The USPS and USPIS do NOT:

• Call customers regarding package deliveries.
• Request personally identifiable information over the phone for verification purposes.
• Ask for money or payment in any form.

If you receive a suspicious call, do not engage with the scammer. Instead:

• Hang up immediately.
• Do not share any personal information.
• Report the scam to the United States Postal Inspection Service or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Final Thoughts

As scammers continue to refine their tactics, staying informed is your best defense. By recognizing the warning signs of phishing and vishing scams, you can protect yourself and your personal information.

Have you encountered a suspicious call or email? Share your experience in the comments below to help spread awareness!

 

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