Postmaster warns of counterfeit stamps

The Red Oak Post Office is warning of a recent scam that has targeted a number of people in the area.
Postmaster Michelle Dixon, with the Red Oak Post Office, said that they have seen a recent influx of mail bearing counterfeit stamps, which are usually purchased at an up to 50% discount online. Dixon said at that level of discount, those stamps are likely bogus.
“The post office never offers a discount that large, as our stamp prices are fixed. Recently, we’ve seen a number of graduation cards that had counterfeit stamps on them, and unfortunately, when we find a counterfeit stamp, those cards end up as return to sender,” Dixon explained.
The number of counterfeit stamps being sold through online platforms has escalated, and with rising prices affecting everyone in the county, it’s natural for people to look for discounts.
The bulk of fake stamps are usually sold on social media marketplaces, e-commerce sites via third party vendors, and other websites, and the counterfeit stamps are usually sold in bulk. Because of this, purchasing stamps from a wholesaler or online websites can be unpredictable, and customers have no way of knowing whether they’re counterfeit or not.
Stamp buyers are urged to purchase their stamps from approved postal providers. Approved vendors can include legitimate “big box” or warehouse retailers who do provide very small discounts on postage stamps, but this is through resale agreements with the Postal Service.
More information on approved vendors can be found at faq.usps.com/s/article/What-is-an-Approved-Postal-Provider, or at faq.usps.com/s/article/Postage-Stamps-The-Basics#foreverstamps.
Anyone caught printing or selling counterfeit stamps could face a monetary fine, imprisonment, or both.