News Release: For Immediate Release

www.bbbhou.org * bbbinfo@bbbhou.org * Council of BBBs: www.bbb.org *
24-Hour Information: 713-868-9500, (800) 275-3626 (from area code 409 only)

Is That Letter Really From Uncle Sam?

The United States Postal Service and the Better Business Bureau are advising businesses and consumers to be on the lookout for “government” mail.

These mailings come from private companies which use names that sound similar to those of government agencies. The mailings are often deceptive, confusing, and sometimes illegal. They usually contain solicitations to purchase goods or services or request money for information, donations or membership fees. A common mailing in our area requests filing fees for Designation of Homestead exemptions.

No matter how official the name used by a private mailer sounds, remember that government agencies send official mail in envelopes whose upper right hand corner has a “penalty indicia” (the U.S. Postal Service shield and the words, “Penalty for Private use $300”) or a government mailing permit imprint (showing a permit number beginning with the letter “G”).

Mail from private organizations is advertising mail and carries only bulk rate postage which can be in the form of either a permit imprint (which will always say “Bulk Rate Postage Paid” or “Nonprofit Postage Paid”), a postage meter strip, or a precanceled stamp.

If you receive an unsolicited government look-alike letter from a company or organization with no notice on the wrapper disclaiming any connection, approval or endorsement by the U.S. Postal Service, please send the mailing with a brief note to the Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, Texas 77027 or contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at (800) 654-8896.

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