Shipping Scammers Target Bossier City Businesses: USPS Launches Investigation
Bossier City, Louisiana, has become a hotbed for shipping scammers, particularly a *re-shipping scheme* known as PNP Shipping. This con involves tricking individuals into mailing stolen goods across the country, and perpetrators have been using the address of a legitimate company, Beacon Roofing Supply, to carry out their fraudulent activities.
How the Scam Works
The PNP Shipping scam lures unsuspecting victims into a scheme where they are promised a lucrative income for forwarding stolen items. Victims are often required to use their own money to perform the shipping, placing them in a precarious financial situation. Reports suggest that several individuals have lost thousands of dollars in this operation.
For instance, one victim, Albert Poindexter from Tennessee, shared his story of being drawn in by a job offer that sounded too good to be true. “The first 30 days, you have to wait for your initial payment, which will be $2,500. After that, every week, an additional $4,800,” Poindexter recounted.
Realization of the Fraud
Initially excited, Poindexter began receiving various packages at his home that contained electronics and clothing to re-ship. It wasn’t until he attempted to verify the employment documents that he sensed something was amiss: “I started making phone calls, but all the numbers went back to the same one,” he explained. This led him to discover that the documents had a bogus Louisiana state seal, and the business address used was not authorized or linked to PNP Shipping.
Impact of the Scam
KTBS, in their investigation, uncovered that the PNP Shipping fraud has been ongoing since 2022, affecting at least 42 victims across various states. Jo Ann Deal from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) remarked, “We want individuals to know that this is not a real address nor a legitimate business. But for some reason, in the last six weeks, we have had multiple people lose money.” The BBB has alerted consumers to be vigilant about such scams.
Further investigation revealed that the scammers are likely operating from overseas, having previously gone by names like *Peel and Patch* or *Sical Logistics*.
Response from Beacon Roofing Supply
When contacted, a representative from Beacon Roofing Supply confirmed that they had not filed a police report regarding this scam. “We are not affiliated in any way with Peel & Patch and have not been involved in the reported scams connected to that company,” they stated, emphasizing their distance from the fraud.
U.S. Postal Service Takes Action
In response to the growing concern, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is now investigating the PNP Shipping scam as it falls under employment fraud. USPS Inspector William Kuhn advises potential victims to be cautious, recommending that people take their time before accepting work-from-home job offers. “Follow up by putting the name of that business in a search engine with the letters ‘BBB’ behind it for the Better Business Bureau,” Kuhn added.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
To further protect against falling victim to similar scams, consumers are advised to take several precautions:
- Research the company thoroughly before providing any personal information.
- Consult local consumer protection resources or legal advice if unsure.
- Be wary of offers that promise quick payments for minimal work.
A Lesson Learned
Poindexter, reflecting on his experience, warned others not to be too quick in providing personal information. “I would say I lost about $1,500,” he said, emphasizing the importance of caution in online job offerings.
As the USPS continues to dig into the PNP Scam, residents are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity that could indicate further fraudulent operations in their community.
