Scammers using fake U.S. Postal Service emails

SPRINGFIELD - Consumer advocates say scammers are using bogus U.S. Postal Service emails to steal personal information.

Officials of the Better Business Bureau on said hackers send emails about online postage charges and attempted or intercepted package deliveries. They say emails instruct consumers to click on a link, which allows hackers to steal usernames, passwords, and financial account information.

Steve Bernas is the president of the Better Business Bureau in Chicago and northern Illinois. He says consumers can easily mistake these for authorized U.S. Postal Service emails, which could lead to identity theft.

U.S. Postal Service officials warn that fake emails include poor spelling or grammar, request immediate action and request personal information.

Consumers are instructed to delete bogus emails.