January 11, 2010 – Pittsburgh, PA - The BBB warns ALL regional residents that a SCAM has been mailed to local Western Pennsylvania consumers. The “postcard” claims to be a “package” that could not be delivered to you and claims, “Sorry we missed you!!!”
The postcard is from:
Express Package Delivery (EPD)
P.O. Box 131690
Tyler TX 75713-1690
Phone: 888.472.5335
or 903.839.1500
Instructions are to “Call to schedule pickup”. After calling the number, consumers are asked for the twelve-digit pickup number and then told that they have a free vacation package. Consumers are then asked for a credit card number to pay for a “…nominal delivery fee,” which must be paid in advance.
Consumer complaints allege the company is sending out a card by mail, which claims in red letters, “SORRY WE MISSED YOU”, and also in bold letters, “CALL TO SCHEDULE PICKUP”.
On calling the number, the consumer is:
· asked for 12 digit pickup number on card
· asked for credit card number to pay for a “nominal” delivery fee which must be paid in advance
· consumers state EPD is using deceptive marketing tactics, since there was no attempted delivery
· also calling the EPD number reveals your home phone number to them, even if the number is on the DO NOT CALL list
· EPD has an “F” rating at the BBB.
Warren King, BBB of Western Pennsylvania President, stated: “This is simply a way for EPD to sell vacation certificates and gain access to credit card information. We encourage all consumers to file complaints at www.bbb.org. While they have an “F” BBB Business Rating, more research is being done to assist law enforcement in getting involved in this offer.”
As always, check every unknown offer or company at the BBB by calling 412.456.2700 or by checking online at www.bbb.org.
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