This week a client called to ask, "does the post office charge $39.95 to process an address change online?"
I was delighted she had taken my advice, to call with any questions that might arise.
This question was an easy one to answer: "NO!" There are a number of private companies that offer to "help" with an address change, but do so at a cost to the consumer, a cost which isn't necessary. As is often the case, when one searches online for "changing mailing address online" or something similar, paid ads which sound genuine come up first, thus the confusion.
Here's what to do: go directly to www.usps.com/umove/
I hope all my clients remember to feel free to call me with questions. I won't know the answers to everything, but I certainly will check and try my best to find out. Sometimes two heads are better than one!
--- Come for a visit; Stay for a lifetime!
Lottie Kendall, Realtor®
Compass
CA DRE#10215160; 650-465-4547
Lottie@LottieKendall.com
Peninsula Living Business Page
Wow, good thing she actually called you. Sounds like a great way to be handing some important information including a credit card over to an identity thief.
I include a USPS change of address card with my new residents' handbook...it gives them the CORRECT/FREE way to put in a change of address!
Wow, I have never heard of scammers working the change of address. I like Wallace's idea of including a change of address card in a handbook. Great info to share with buyers and sellers!
Good evening Lottie. There are those who want to rip folks off $39 at a time. Quite a hefty profit for something that is free I think.
Lottie - It looks like you just saved your client $39.95! Who knew that private companies were charging for that type of service! Glad you were able to help your client!
You certainly saved that client an uneccesary charge. I am glad she called.
Shoot, why didn't I think of that? An easy way to make $39.95!
Just kidding.
In all seriousness, I encourage people to contact their Bank, Insurance Companies, Credit Cards, Social Security, and other important institutions DIRECTLY. Do not trust the USPS; they will not be responsible if your mail is lost.
Seniors, in particular, often are the victims of scams like these, Tammy.
Good idea, Wallace. The postal carrier told my client that most people just go online to do the change--which is where she clicked on a paid site.
Rose, I suspect these companies do what they say they'll do--it's just unnecessary and one doesn't need to spend a cent.
Michael, I agree.
Laura, if my client almost fell for this, think of the number who do!
Jane, I'm glad she called, too.
You definitely have a good idea, Fred.
Good morning Lottie. That is a new one on me. Good thing your client called you, she would have given out her information, which would not have been good.
Too many scams out there, Joe!
Oh my! The number of people looking to take advantage of others has grown exponentially since the internet makes it so easy to "hang their shingle". I'm so glad that your client called you.
I'm glad, too, Judi. It's a easy for her to go directly to the USPS site and make the change as it is to go to some unknown company and have them charge to make the change.
Hi Lottie: I get scammed several years ago by clicking the wrong website for the Federal Student Loan. Learned it the stupid way but I swore, it would never happen again.
Lottie, great post, and have never heard of the post office charging for a change of address.
Maria, it's so easy to make a mistake like that! I'm very glad my client called me to ask.
Joan, that's the point - the USPS does NOT charge to change a mailing address, whether one does it online, in the office, or by a change of address post card.
A new scam every minute, glad that you could lend some wise advice to this person.
And I'm glad, Bob, that she remembered what I told her (and all my clients), to call me if she has questions about anything--I'll always try to find the answer.