Skip to main content

MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Fraudulent vs. Legitimate Email Notifications


Spammers are once again attempting to take advantage of distracted, overwhelmed computer users with fraudulent email messages which appear to be sent from credible mail and shipping carriers.  In reality, the emails are actually scams or contain malicious computer viruses.  Unfortunately, some of the latest emails are quite sophisticated and the fraudulent messages are similar in appearance to the legitimate notifications you may have received in the past.

Each of the major carriers has posted information about fraudulent emails including examples of actual emails on their websites.  It is important for you to educate yourself and take proper precautions to reduce the risk of your personal information being stolen or your computer system being severely damaged.

U.S. Postal Service: https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/radDocs/consumer/SpamAlert.pdf

United Parcel Service (UPS): https://www.ups.com/media/en/fraud_email_examples.pdf

FedEx: https://fedex.com/us/security/prevent-fraud/email.html

If you receive a suspicious email message, do not open the link and do not forward the message.  Delete the message immediately and contact the mail or shipping carrier directly via their website or by telephone for additional information.  If you believe you have received a fraudulent email message for a package prepared by Mail Services, please call ext. 2269 for additional assistance.

Carol A. Battles
CNS: Mail Services
02/22/2011