The Country Code 63 USPS scam has become a major issue in recent years. Many people have been targeted by scammers who use this tactic to try and defraud unsuspecting victims. The scam involves hiring international premium rate numbers (IPRN) to initiate one-ring calls. After a single ring, the scammers disconnect, prompting victims to call back, believing they missed an important call.
The scam is prevalent in the Philippines, with the country code 63 being used to make the calls. The scammers use a variety of tactics to try and convince victims to call back, including posing as delivery services such as USPS. Once the victim calls back, they are charged exorbitant rates for the call, with the scammers pocketing the profits. In some cases, the scammers may also try to obtain personal information from the victim, which can be used for identity theft or other fraudulent activities.
It is important for individuals to be aware of this scam and to take steps to protect themselves. This includes being cautious when receiving calls from unknown numbers, especially those with international area codes. If you receive a missed call from an unknown number, it is best to ignore it and not call back. By being aware of this scam and taking the necessary precautions, individuals can avoid falling victim to this fraudulent activity.
Country Code 63 USPS Scam
The Country Code 63 USPS Scam is a type of phone scam that has been prevalent in the Philippines. The scam involves scammers hiring international premium rate numbers (IPRN) to initiate one-ring calls. After a single ring, the scammers disconnect, prompting victims to call back, believing they missed an important call.
Origin and Spread
According to Rational Insurgent, the Country Code 63 USPS Scam has been around for several years. It has been reported that the scam has spread to other countries, including the United States. The scammers usually target individuals who are expecting a package delivery from the USPS.
Common Scam Techniques
The scammers use various techniques to trick victims into calling back the missed call. Some of the common techniques include:
- Using a fake caller ID that appears to be from the USPS or a government agency.
- Using automated voice messages that claim the victim has won a prize or is eligible for a discount.
- Pretending to be a USPS representative and claiming that there is a problem with the package delivery.
Once the victim calls back, the scammers will try to obtain personal information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, and other sensitive information. They may also try to sell fake products or services.
It is important to be aware of these scams and to avoid calling back missed calls from unknown numbers. The USPS does not initiate contact with customers via phone or text message, and they will never ask for personal information over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call or message, it is best to ignore it and report it to the appropriate authorities.
Preventing and Reporting Scams
Preventive Measures
To avoid falling victim to the Country Code 63 USPS scam, there are some preventive measures that one can take. First, it is important to be cautious of missed calls from unknown numbers, especially those with international codes. Scammers often use one-ring calls to entice victims into calling back, which can result in high charges on the victim’s phone bill.
Secondly, it is advisable to avoid clicking on links from unsolicited text messages, especially those that claim to be from USPS. If you have not signed up for USPS tracking requests for a specific package, do not click on the link provided. This type of text message is a scam called smishing.
Thirdly, it is important to keep your personal information private. Scammers often use personal information to make their scam attempts seem more legitimate. Therefore, avoid sharing your personal information, such as your social security number, credit card number, and other sensitive information, with strangers or unsolicited callers.
Reporting Procedures
If you suspect that you have fallen victim to the Country Code 63 USPS scam or any other scam, it is important to report it immediately. Reporting scams can help prevent further scam attempts and protect others from falling victim to the same scam.
One can report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by visiting their website or calling their toll-free number. Additionally, one can report scams to the USPS by calling their toll-free number or visiting their website. It is important to provide as much information as possible when reporting scams, such as the phone number used by the scammer, the date and time of the scam attempt, and any other relevant details.
In conclusion, taking preventive measures and reporting scams can help protect individuals from falling victim to the Country Code 63 USPS scam and other scams. It is important to remain vigilant and cautious, especially when dealing with unsolicited calls and text messages.