USPS warns against postcard fraud

The U.S. Postal Service issued an alert about postcards that look very similar to the green card left by carriers when a package or letter is being held for pickup.

Hodgenville Postmaster Bob Hummer wants local residents to be aware of the notices, which say they are from “Mail Center” and list a post office box in Naples, Fla.

The senders ask postal customers to dial a toll-free telephone number to claim a parcel that the card falsely says “is being held in your name.” The front of the card includes a stamped message, which says “Unclaimed Article – Reply Required within 7 days.”

Because the card tells potential caller to have a credit card ready, the Better Business Bureau believes the postcard is a deceptive marketing gimmick.

Recipients of the postcards should be aware that neither the U.S. Postal Service nor any other delivery business is holding a package as the card claims. The BBB says claims on the card are intended to convince you to call the company in order to sell a low-value jewelry product.