Unfortunately, scam artists also utilize the convenience of private mailboxes. A suite number or a prestigious avenue can give the perception of a corporate executive office of a well-established business.
Unscrupulous individuals rely on address mis-perceptions to bilk consumers.
In April, the U.S. Postal Service announced new policy changes in an effort to protect American consumers from mail fraud and safeguard the privacy of the growing number of entrepreneurs who operate small, home-based businesses. According to Postal authorities, the changes target people who rent private mailboxes to hide illegal activities, such as credit card fraud, identity theft and schemes to swindle the elderly. When renting a private mailbox, the CMRA applicant must indicate on the application whether the box will be used for soliciting or doing business with the public. PBM holders with preprinted stationery have six months from the effective date to deplete current supplies, to order new stationery and to notify correspondents of their new address. After that, mail addresses that do not say PMB will not be delivered.