US Postal Inspection Service warns of new scam

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is warning people in the Capital Region about a scam involving fake tests or calls, allegedly from postal inspectors.

They say some people living in the Troy area have received calls or text messages telling them to send gift cards, money, or provide personal information with the threat of being arrested if they don’t. Some people even received a picture of what appears to be an arrest warrant with their name on it.

The USPIS says postal inspectors will never call anyone and ask them to provide money or information to avoid arrest.

If you’ve had any calls or texts like this, you’re asked to report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455. You can also email spam@uspis.gov.

If you email, you should include the following information:

• Copy the body of the suspicious text message and paste into a new email.

• Provide your name in the email, and also attach a screenshot of the text message showing the phone number of the sender and the date sent.

• Include any relevant details in your email, for example: if you lost money, if you provided any personal information, or if you experienced any impacts to your credit or person.

• The Postal Inspection Service will contact you if more information is needed