TAX REFUND SCAMS
Tax refund checks
will soon be in the mail. Most are legitimate. But Postal Inspectors want to
alert employees about a possible scam involving the mail that could affect
carrier safety.
Organized gangs have
in the past filed fraudulent tax returns using stolen names and Social Security
numbers, directing refunds to addresses under their control. Some have resorted
to stealing arrow keys from carriers to unlock mailboxes in apartment buildings
and mailrooms.
To stay safe,
carriers should follow these tips:
·
Always
comply with a robber’s demands.
·
When
a suspicious person follows you, go to a safe place and contact police before
calling your supervisor.
·
If
you’re robbed, call 911 when it’s safe to do so. Then call your supervisor, who
will call Postal Inspectors.
·
Make
notes of details you can remember, such as the suspect’s description, direction
traveled or vehicles used.
Postal Inspectors
should be contacted if a carrier notices large amounts of mail in collection
boxes addressed to the IRS. Tax refund checks addressed to names not usually
associated with the addresses listed, change of address orders that request
forwarding of tax refund checks, or multiple tax refund letters sent to the
same location are also signs that something is amiss.
Following these tips can help prevent
crime, protect the mail, and protect employees.
