The United States Postal Service forever stamp is a popular way to hedge against future postage rate increases. Unfortunately, scammers are exploiting the demand for USPS Forever Stamps to trick customers into buying from fake website versions that offer deep discounts up to 90% off.
This scam heavily promotes clearance sales on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The ads use the USPS logo and Forever Stamp images to direct customers to fraudulent stamp shopping websites. However, the deeply discounted postage advertised simply does not exist – victims receive nothing after purchase.
This article provides an in-depth look at how the fake USPS Stamps 90% off scam works, tips to spot fraudulent stamp websites, what to do if you fell victim, and how to protect yourself from these too-good-to-be-true deals.
Overview of the Fake USPS Stamps Clearance Sale Scam
This scam operates by creating fake e-commerce websites that mimic the look and feel of a legitimate USPS online stamp shop. Scammers build sophisticated sites integrating USPS branding, logos, product images, and overall official aesthetics.
To attract customers, they run social media ads promoting “blowout” USPS stamp clearance sales with absurd discounts up to 90% off sheets of forever stamps. The posts portray unrealistic prices like 100 stamps for $19.99 compared to the standard USPS rate of $58 for that quantity.
If someone clicks an ad, they are directed to one of these scam websites masquerading as an authentic USPS stamps shop and tempted to purchase sheets of stamps at incredible bargain prices. However, these fraudulent sites simply aim to steal money and personal information.
Victims receive nothing from these fake websites after purchase. The scam stores are quickly taken down once the crooks receive enough complaints. Then new fake stamp sites reopen to keep the lucrative scam going.
This scam capitalizes on USPS brand recognition and the temptation of steep Forever Stamp discounts that seem too good to pass up. But there are ways to spot and avoid these fake websites.
How the Fraudulent Stamp Websites Operate
The fake sites appear impressively realistic on the surface but use deceptive tactics:
- Domain names – The urls seem like valid online stamp shops but contain small errors.
- Branding – USPS logos, stamp images, and visual identity replicated throughout each site.
- Content – Product descriptions, policies, and other text lifted from USPS Postal Explorer pages.
- Pricing – Stamps listed at implausibly low prices using pressure tactics and urgency.
- Checkout – Payment forms and processors appear legitimate but are set up to steal financial information.
While the sites look convincing thanks to USPS’s stolen assets, inspecting closely exposes their fraudulent nature.
How the Fake USPS Stamp Scam Unfolds Step-by-Step:
Here is an in-depth look at how this scam operates from promotion to purchase:
1. Promote Fake Sales on Social Media
The scam starts with sponsored ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Google. The ads tout messages like “USPS Stamp Sale! Sheets up to 90% off” and “Clearance – Going out of business!”.
USPS Forever Stamp sheets are shown next to prices like $19.99 for 100 compared to the real USPS rate of $58 for that quantity. Urgency and scarcity tactics prompt immediate action.
2. Drive Traffic to a Sophisticated Fake Website
Clicking these social media ads directs users to an elaborate scam website convincingly designed to mimic a real USPS online stamp shop.
The site integrates USPS branding, font, and product images into the layout. But small flaws like the URL reveal its fraudulent nature.
3. Lure Customers With Huge Stamp Discounts
The fake USPS site advertises stamp sheets at steep discounts up to 90% off using urgency tactics to entice orders.
For example, 100 stamps for $19.99 and 200 stamps for $29.99 instead of the actual USPS pricing. Countdown timers, limited quantities, and similar language aim to motivate quick checkouts.
4. Gather Customer and Payment Details During Checkout
If someone adds stamps to their cart, the site initiates a familiar checkout process collecting the standard order details – full name, shipping address, contact info, and crucially, payment information.
The payment options present well-known providers like Visa, PayPal, Apple Pay to build additional trust, although transactions only lead to stolen data.
5. Never Ship Any Stamps After Payment
Weeks later, victims who paid for deeply discounted stamps through these fake websites receive nothing in the mail.
The crooks take the money and shut down the site once enough people complain. A new fake USPS stamp site reopens to keep the scam going.
6. Steal Credit Card and Personal Information
Beyond just collecting payments for unsent orders, the scammers also obtain all personal and financial data entered during checkout on the site.
Names, addresses, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information is valuable on the black market and commonly used for identity theft. This makes avoiding these sites critical.
By mimicking USPS’s web design and tempting shoppers with unrealistic discounts, these fraudsters trick those allured by the promise of deep Forever Stamp savings.
How to Spot Fake USPS Stamp Websites – 8 Red Flags
With a discerning eye, you can detect the subtle but revealing characteristics that expose fraudulent USPS stamp shopping sites. Watch for these telltale signs that a website claiming to sell USPS stamps is a scam:
1. Suspicious Domain Name
Inspect the url for oddities like misspellings, extra words added, or use of the wrong domain extension. USPS.com is the only official stamp site.
2. Missing Contact Information
There is no “Contact Us” page with a real USPS physical address, customer service number, and other contact channels. Often only a dubious email is provided.
3. Implausibly Low Prices
Any discounts over 50% off are highly dubious. Be wary of prices like 90% off or 100 stamps for $20. USPS rarely offers over 20% off Forever Stamps.
4. Familiar Looking Website Design
The layout, fonts, colors, navigation, and other elements mimic the real USPS site to plagiarize the official shopping experience.
5. Fake Limited Time Messaging
Aggressive “Act Now!” messaging and countdown timers pressure buyers to purchase before scrutinizing the site more thoroughly.
6. Low-Quality Product Images
Image resolution on Forever Stamps appears inconsistent, heavily edited, or sloppy upon close inspection.
7. Generous Return Policy
Detailed return policy information with lenient terms USPS does not offer. This falsely conveys legitimacy and trustworthiness.
8. Spelling and Grammar Issues
Numerous typos, poorly translated text, and other writing errors indicate an amateur scam operation.
Heightened awareness of these red flags helps identify fake USPS stamp sites attempting to lure in deal-seeking shoppers with unrealistic pricing and discounts. Always inspect closely and lean on skepticism before providing payment information or data.
How to Identify the Scam on Social Media
The fake USPS stamp sales are promoted via sponsored posts and ads on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and other platforms. Here’s how to recognize them:
Spotting the Scam on Facebook
Watch for Facebook ads using:
- Huge discounts like “USPS Stamps Sale! 90% off sheets of Forever Stamps!”
- Countdown timers and limited quantity tactics urging immediate action
- USPS logo and Forever Stamp images
- Links to odd domains instead of usps.com
- Very little comments or reactions compared to the ad spend
Spotting the Scam on Instagram
Look for Instagram scam ads with:
- Unbelievable prices called out like “100 Stamps just $19.99!”
- Captions with slogans like “Warehouse clearance!” and “Last day!”
- USPS branding and stamps images
- A disproportionately low number of likes and comments
- No authentic non-ad content on the account
Spotting the Scam on TikTok
Identify fake TikTok ads using:
- Videos promoting clearance sales with messaging like “Up to 90% off Forever Stamps!”
- Urgency tactics in captions pressing viewers to click before a deadline
- USPS logos, stamps, mail trucks, and post offices
- Links in bios and captions that divert to shady domains
- Very generic comment responses indicating bots/fake accounts
Apply extra scrutiny to unbelievable discounts and sales events for government agencies on social channels. Verify website legitimacy before clicking links or providing information.
Steps to Take if Scammed by a Fake USPS Stamp Website
If you placed an order through one of these sophisticated fake USPS stamp retailer sites, immediately take these actions:
- Notify your credit card provider – Report the charges as fraudulent to initiate a chargeback and recover lost funds. Provide details about the scam site.
- Monitor accounts closely – Watch for any unauthorized charges indicating stolen financial information misuse. Enable real-time transaction alerts through account settings and your bank’s app.
- Place fraud alert on your credit – Contact one credit bureau to have an initial 90-day fraud alert placed on your credit file making opening new lines of credit harder.
- File complaints – Submit details on the scam site, lost money, and payment info used to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and Federal Trade Commission to aid investigations.
- Warn others – Leave comments about the scam on social media ads leading people to fake sites. Report scam ads to platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
- Only dispute unreceived items – Never falsely claim non-delivery if you received any sheets of stamps since that still constitutes mail fraud.
Taking proactive measures limits damages from lost money to stolen identity information. Reporting also helps curb the scam’s success by exposing fraudulent USPS stamp websites.
How to Avoid Fake USPS Stamp Sales Scams
Here are some tips and best practices to protect yourself from clearance sale scams:
- Only buy directly from USPS.com – Never purchase from third parties. Stick to the official USPS website for guaranteed legitimate stamps.
- Research current USPS stamp prices – If a deal seems too good to be true, directly compare against current usps.com Forever Stamp pricing.
- Avoid new, unfamiliar websites – Only trust established online retailers with long track records and numerous reviews selling USPS postage.
- Read reviews and complaints – Research consumer experiences which often expose commonly scammed stamp sites.
- Use credit cards for purchases – Never enter debit card or bank account information on lesser-known sites. Disputing credit charges is easier.
- Verify security seals – Ensure sites have https protocol and the padlock icon in the URL bar.
While tempting stamp clearance sales reach out, apply extra scrutiny. Trust your instincts and verify legitimacy to avoid being scammed. Only purchase U.S. postage from authorized sources at reasonable price points.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fake USPS Stamp Sales
Many people have questions about the fraudulent USPS stamp websites promoting huge clearance sales and discounts. Here are answers to some common FAQs about this postage scam:
Are the USPS 90% off stamp deals on Facebook real?
No. Any social media advertisements for USPS Forever Stamp sales with discounts over 50% off are scams. USPS rarely offers more than 20% off stamps, even during holiday promos.
How can I tell if a USPS stamp website is fake?
Inspect the URL for odd spellings or domains not associated with the official USPS.com shop. Also watch for prices that seem too good to be true and lack of contact information or links to USPS social media accounts.
What happens if I order from a fake USPS stamp website?
You will likely receive nothing after payment. Or you may get an extremely small number of legitimate stamps rather than the full order amount paid for. The scammers pocket your money and use any stolen financial information for fraud.
Can I get a refund if I purchase from a scam website?
If you paid by credit card you have a strong ability to dispute the charges as fraudulent and recover lost funds. Debit cards and wire transfers offer less purchase protection and recourse for obtaining refunds.
How do I report a fake USPS stamp website?
Contact USPS directly to notify them of scam websites misusing their brand name and intellectual property without authorization. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Does USPS sell stamps on their website?
Yes. USPS does directly sell legitimate sheets of Forever Stamps and other postage through their official website USPS.com. But they do not offer any limited-time clearance sales with discounts over 20% off.
How can I avoid the fake USPS stamp scams?
Only purchase stamps directly from USPS.com and not third parties. Approached advertised sales cautiously, especially if discounts seem unrealistic. Verify site legitimacy through contact details, URLs and other signs before providing payment info.
Apply heightened scrutiny to unbelievable deals from supposed USPS stamp websites. Verify legitimacy directly with USPS and trust your instincts to avoid clearance sale scams.
The Bottom Line
The United States Postal Service’s ubiquitous Forever Stamp has made it a target for elaborate fake online stamp shops claiming to offer huge clearance discounts up to 90% off sheets of postage. By mimicking USPS branding and running social media ads with dramatic savings, they lure deal-seeking shoppers into relinquishing payment and personal information that is ultimately stolen.
However, telltale signs like unbelievable pricing, missing contact pages, and pressure tactics can expose fraudulent websites posing as legitimate USPS stamp retailers before major losses occur. Avoid falling victim to stamp clearance sale scams by only purchasing directly from USPS.com and being skeptical of discounts that seem too good to be true. Your caution is the best defense against these creative online postage scams.
