U.S. postal inspectors warn of fake postage stamp scams

Oct 7, 2025, 11 AM

Washington Postal Scene by Linn’s Staff

The United States Postal Service is warning customers to be on alert for counterfeit postage scams that have been spreading online and through third-party sellers. In a statement released by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in late September, officials cautioned that consumers should not be enticed by offers that claim to provide stamps at deep discounts.

“Don’t fall for fake stamps,” the agency warned in a poster distributed as part of the campaign.

Postal inspectors report that these scams often advertise savings of 40 to 50 percent off the face value of stamps, an offer that should immediately raise suspicion. U.S. Postal Inspector Kelly McNulty explained, “If you see large discounts on stamps, like 40 to 50 percent off, it’s probably too good to be true.”

The fraudulent offers can involve counterfeit versions of forever stamps, postage labels, or even entire rolls of fake stamps.

Mail bearing counterfeit postage can be intercepted or discarded, and those who unknowingly use the fraudulent stamps may face financial losses or penalties.

The Postal Service emphasized that stamps should only be purchased directly from USPS locations, through usps.com, or from approved retailers.

The Inspection Service is investigating networks that produce or distribute counterfeit postage and is encouraging the public to report suspicious sales.

Customers who suspect they have received or purchased counterfeit stamps are advised by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to report them directly through official USPS channels. The best way is to submit a report online at www.uspis.gov/report. There, consumers can provide details about where and how the stamps were purchased, upload photos if possible, and file a fraud complaint.

Alternatively, reports can be made by calling the Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 and selecting option 2. Customers can also bring suspicious stamps to their local post office for review, but the official complaint still needs to be filed through the inspection service.

The warning is part of a broader USPS effort to protect both consumers and the mail system. Through Project Safe Delivery, postal officials are working to prevent fraud and safeguard the integrity of the nation’s mail. Consumers are urged to stay alert, avoid offers that appear too good to be true, and report questionable postage to the authorities.

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