We don't knowingly send scam mailings

LetterStream is not a sender of scam mailings. If you believe someone is trying to scam or spam you by using LetterStream, please make us aware of that and we will look into it. While there are a lot of different definitions of scam mailings, the below content was constructed via AI based on general knowledge. Please send information about scammers who use LetterStream to support@letterstream.com and include the sender's complete return address as well as your first and last name.

If you are wondering if you can send scam, illegal, unethical or harmful mailings through LetterStream, the answer is absolutely not. We participate with US Postal Inspectors, the Justice Department and local law enforcement to root out and stop inappropriate mailings. We take pride in shutting down bad guys, so please use our service responsibly.

Scams

A letter is considered a scam letter when it attempts to deceive the recipient by making false claims, often to gain personal information or money, usually by using tactics like threatening language, urgent demands to act immediately, promising unrealistic rewards, or impersonating a legitimate organization while asking for payment through suspicious methods like gift cards or wire transfers. 

• Urgency and pressure tactics:

  The letter may insist you act immediately or face consequences like losing benefits or being legally pursued if you don't respond quickly. 

  
  
• False claims of authority:

  The letter may appear to be from a government agency, well-known company, or other trusted source with fake logos or official-looking formatting, but with incorrect contact information. 

  
  
• Request for personal information:

  Scammers often ask for sensitive details like credit card numbers, bank account information, or Social Security numbers without a legitimate reason. 

  
  
• Promises of unrealistic rewards:

  Offering large sums of money, prizes, or free services with little to no effort required. 

  
  
• Payment methods that are difficult to trace:

  Insisting on payment methods like wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, or gift cards which make it hard to recover lost money. 

  
  
• Poor grammar and formatting:

  Typos, grammatical errors, and unprofessional appearance can indicate a scam letter. 

  
  

• Do not respond:

  Never send personal information or money to a sender you suspect of being a scammer. 

  
  
• Verify the sender:

  Contact the organization supposedly sending the letter directly using a known phone number or website to confirm its legitimacy. 

  
  
• Report the scam:
  If you believe you've received a scam letter, report it to the appropriate authorities like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local consumer protection agency. 

While LetterStream doesn't make it a practice to look at letters that our customers send, we are sometimes notified about questionable mailings. Here some things mailers might do to reduce suspicion around a mailing.

1. Make sure you use a valid and complete return address for your mailing.
2. Clearly identify who you are (companies, use complete company name and address).
3. Be careful about making a situation seem urgent unless you have had repeated contact attempts with the recipient before sending an urgent message.
4. Include contact information so the recipient can reach you.
5. Do not mention (or publish) bank accounts or social security numbers unless you clearly communicate who you are and what you are doing.
6. Do not put bank account numbers or social security numbers in documents unless legally required to do so.
7. Include your company website and phone number.
8. Make sure your phone number matches the one on your website and what can be found online for your company.
9. Make sure your message is clear and complete so there's no question about the situation at hand.