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Watch Out For Change of Address Scams

Elite Personal Finance

Last Update: March 23, 2025 • Financial News •

One of the latest scams to hit the scene is a change of address scam, where scammers impersonate United States Postal Service (USPS) communications to fraudulently redirect your mail to a separate address or a fraudulent location.

According to the United States Postal Inspection Service, more than 36 million pieces of mail were processed for customers in 2021, with free service offers in exchange for changing your address in person at a local post office and a $1.10 identity verification fee on the USPS.com website.

Which Pieces of Mail Can a Legit Change of Address Redirect?

A change of address on the USPS.com website can redirect first class mail, Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage (all free), or shipping must be paid for Media Mail items from your local post office to your new address. However, keep in mind that USPS marketing mail has not been forwarded.

How Can I Request a Legitimate Change of Address?

Suppose you’re moving outside the United States, relocating to a new domestic location, or submitting a change request for someone else. In that case, the first step is visiting the official USPS Change of Address website to submit a change of address form. On the form, you can select between an individual or family before verifying your identity and paying a $1.10 identity verification fee, where the billing address on your credit card must match the provided address.

From there, USPS will email you a confirmation code and a Move Validation letter to the address you’re moving to, along with the confirmation code letter (Customer Notification letter) and the welcome kit to your new address. The welcome kit includes coupons for an extensive partner network from restaurants to movie theaters.

If you change your address at the post office in person, all you need to show is an acceptable photo ID and request a Mover’s Guide Packer, which contains a form called PS Form 3575 that you must fill out before giving it to the clerk. From there, they request proof of ID before starting on your change of address.

Once a Change of Address is successfully submitted, mail forwarding will begin within as little as three days and two weeks of your initial request.

What Other Scams Look Similar?

Other similar-looking scams are finding new ways to exploit unsuspecting consumers. Besides impersonating the USPS or redirecting people to fraudulent websites, criminals can redirect mail and commit identity theft through smishing attacks, false third-party services, and fake package deliveries.

Here are some recent reports on scams similar to “change of address.”

Brushing Scams

Another deceptive scam similar to change of address scams is brushing scams, where unsuspecting consumers receive unsolicited packages for things they never purchased on Amazon or any other online retailer with an emphasis on reviews. Scams work because scammers send packages to compile fake reviews by working with a network of fraudulent third-party sellers, creating fake orders based on stolen personal information like names and addresses.

From there, cheap items like USB drives or small cosmetics packages are delivered to confirmed addresses. Some may even contain QR codes, or recipients will be rewarded for scanning them in exchange for an incentive. From there, scammers impersonate recipients and leave five-star reviews, making it appear as if the customer purchased the product and left one.

Unfortunately, brushing scams exposes people to personal data exposure, malware, and phishing attempts. QR codes and digital links could redirect them to malicious websites, stealing their personally identifiable information, such as their name or social security number. Addresses can also be used to create fake customer accounts, where five-star reviews are left in your name unsuspectedly.

What is the Better Business Bureau Doing to Alert Consumers of These Scams?

One of the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) roles is to conduct ongoing consumer education about the latest scams.

In August 2024, the BBB called out brushing scams through its tip section, calling on consumers to be mindful. A second advisory in February 2025 also cautioned users against scanning QR codes found in random packages delivered to their homes by learning the dangers of phishing websites and other identity theft methods.

Notably, the BBB has a scam tracker that allows users to report scams targeting themselves, another individual, or businesses they work for. If you ever come across one of these scams, we encourage you to fill out the form, which will allow you to warn others about these malicious activities.

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