Carrier alert — tax refund scams

Tax refund checks will soon be in the mail. Most are legitimate. But Postal Inspectors want to alert employees about a possible scam involving the mail that could affect carrier safety.

Organized gangs have in the past filed fraudulent tax returns using stolen names and Social Security numbers, directing refunds to addresses under their control. Some have resorted to stealing arrow keys from carriers to unlock mailboxes in apartment buildings and mailrooms.

To stay safe, carriers should follow these tips:

• Always comply with a robber’s demands.
• When a suspicious person follows you, go to a safe place and contact police before calling your supervisor.
• If you’re robbed, call 911 when it’s safe to do so. Then call your supervisor, who will call Postal Inspectors.
• Make notes of details you can remember, such as the suspect’s description, direction traveled or vehicles used.

Postal Inspectors should be contacted if a carrier notices large amounts of mail in collection boxes addressed to the IRS. Tax refund checks addressed to names not usually associated with the addresses listed, change of address orders that request forwarding of tax refund checks, or multiple tax refund letters sent to the same location are also signs that something is amiss.

Following these tips, which also are available in a Stand-Up Talk for carriers — can help prevent crime, protect the mail, and protect employees.