As Valentine’s Day approaches, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) are cautioning the public about romance scams—fraudulent schemes that exploit emotions for financial gain.
Romance scammers often assume false identities, using stolen photos and fabricated details to lure unsuspecting victims into online relationships. These fraudsters invest significant time in building trust, sometimes over weeks or months, before making financial requests. They may ask for money via wire transfers, gift cards, checks, or even mailed valuables, leaving victims emotionally and financially devastated.
“Our mission includes safeguarding the integrity of the mail and protecting customers from fraudulent schemes like romance scams,” said USPIS Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale. “Raising awareness is key to preventing these crimes before they happen.”
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To help the public stay alert, USPS and USPIS recommend the following precautions:
- Be wary of online relationships that move too fast, especially if the individual avoids video calls or face-to-face meetings.
- Look for inconsistencies in their story and avoid sharing personal information.
- Never send money or gifts to someone you haven’t met in person.
- If someone pressures you to provide financial assistance, proceed with extreme caution.
- If you suspect a scam, cut off communication immediately and report it to the authorities.
To spread awareness, USPS is conducting social media campaigns, hosting fraud prevention webinars, and organizing educational events. The agency also shares real-life cases of romance scams to help others recognize red flags before becoming victims.
For more resources, the USPS offers a podcast, “Mailin’ It!”, which highlights real-world fraud cases. The USPIS also provides an online information center with tips on identifying and avoiding scams.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a romance scam should report it to the USPIS via their official website and contact local law enforcement. Victims are also encouraged to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to aid in fraud prevention efforts.
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