Online scams targeting hobbyists and collectors are prevalent, with counterfeit goods sold through convincing websites. One such scam site is Us-Discountstamp.com, which promotes fake discounted USPS postage to unwitting stamp buyers. This article will examine how this scam operates, how to avoid it, and what to do if victimized.
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What is Us-Discountstamp.com?
Us-Discountstamp.com is a fraudulent website that claims to sell legitimate US postage stamps and rare philatelic items at extraordinarily low prices, up to 90% off face value. However, the site is not associated with or authorized by the United States Postal Service in any way.
How Does the Us-Discountstamp.com Scam Work?
The site lists stamps like the Inverted Jenny and rarities from the early 1900s available for a fraction of real market prices. Images are stolen from genuine dealers to appear credible.
When victims purchase from the site, they either receive cheap counterfeits far less valuable than described or no stamps at all. Their money is pocketed by scammers who vanish.
Other deceitful tactics include using a domain name one letter off from the real USPS and promoting unbelievable deals. Fake positive reviews posted by the scam operators boost legitimacy.
In essence, the site relies on deceiving collectors with phony discounts on stolen images of high-value stamps that are never fulfilled. Victims lose money while the scammers profit.
How to Avoid the Us-Discountstamp.com Scam
While enticing, these red flags can help identify and avoid this scam:
Prices massively below any feasible market rate
Lack of company details, verifiable address, or contact information
Fake reviews and endorsements using stock images
No sales proofs or stamp authenticity certifications
Domain name resembling USPS but slightly altered
Carefully researching sellers, verifying endorsements, and avoiding unbelievable deals can help prevent falling victim.
What to Do if Scammed by Us-Discountstamp.com
If you paid this fraudulent site and never received your stamps, take these steps:
Immediately report unauthorized charges to your payment provider to reverse if possible
File detailed fraud reports with the FBI, FTC, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service
Warn other collectors by leaving online reviews detailing the scam
Consult a lawyer regarding any potential legal action against the scammers
Though damage may be done, acting quickly can potentially help recover losses and prevent the site from victimizing others.
Conclusion
Us-Discountstamp.com exemplifies how scammers exploit passions like philately to fraudulently profit from counterfeit goods and ignorance of unbelievable deals. But consumers can mind red flags and verify sellers to avoid such deception. Spreading awareness of these scams helps the collector community while hampering these criminal enterprises.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Meet Stelian Pilici
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
