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Bay County Residents Warned About Phony 'Change Of Address' Scam

MGN Online

Bay County Sheriff’s deputies are warning residents about a scam in which a phony post office website charges a fee for address changes.

On Monday, deputies say they were alerted to the scam, after receiving complaints from two local victims. They say they were told to change their address with the U.S. Postal Service via an online website.

But, authorities say after using the website, not only were their addresses not changed, the victims paid a 40 dollar fee for the non-service.

The U.S. Postal Inspector warns customers that the postal service is not affiliated with any business that owns websites offering a change of address for a fee.

In cases where someone submits a “Change of Address” order, there is a charge of $1.05 for identity verification purposes on their website: www.usps.com.

But, officials say customers can change their mailing address free of charge by mailing or submitting the form in person at their local postal office.

The Postal Service processed more than 38 million address changes in 2013, but inspector say they found some customers paid for a change of address on website with domain names that appear to be associated with the Postal Service, but are not.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.