Beware of Scammers Selling Fake Postage Stamps

Don’t be tempted by online offers for discounted stamps. They are scams.

The Better Business Bureau has received an increase in reports of websites selling counterfeit postage stamps. Before you hand over your money to a scammer, find out how to spot and avoid buying fake stamps.

How fake postage stamp scams work

You can order postage stamps online from the USPS. However, if you search online for the term “buy stamps online,” the results will likely include websites offering deeply discounted stamps. Some of these sites even claim to be affiliated with the USPS.

Consumers who have purchased discounted stamps through these sites have reported to BBB Scam Alert that charges show up on their accounts from PayPal accounts, not the USPS. When they attempted to contact customer service to cancel their orders, they received emails telling them that they would be refunded. However, they never got their money back.  

Consumers who actually received stamps reported to BBB Scam Alert that the stamps they received were fake. They did not look like legitimate stamps that can be purchased at a post office.  

How to avoid buying fake stamps

Buying stamps online might seem like a good way to save time and money. However, you need to watch out for scammers selling phony postage. Take these steps to protect yourself.

• Beware of deep discounts: The USPS warns that counterfeit stamps often are sold in bulk quantities at discounts of 20% to 50%. So if you find a deal on stamps that looks too good to be true, it probably is.
• Purchase from Approved Postal Providers™: You should only purchase stamps at a USPS location or through an Approved Postal Providers™. If you buy stamps through other websites, you have no way of verifying that they are genuine, according to the USPS.
• Don’t fall for ads on social media: Even if you see offers for postage that appear to come from USPS, don’t click on ads on social media sites. They are a popular way for scammers to trick consumers into buying counterfeit items, according to BBB. Stick to the trusted resources for stamps listed above.

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If you do buy counterfeit stamps or see a websites selling them, file a report with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.