…… - Question about a card I received in the mail (2025)

FAQs

Why did I get a random debit card in the mail? ›

If you receive a debit/credit card that you didn't apply for from a bank that you don't bank with, call the card's bank immediately. The bank will be able to clarify why you received the card or tell you if it's a scam. Do NOT use the contact numbers provided in the mail with the card.

Sometimes, when you get credit cards in the mail that you haven't applied for, those are credit card offers—not actual, usable cards. You have to submit an application and be approved for credit before you get access to a functioning card.

Each credit card offer you receive in the mail could be different, so if you're in the market for a new card it doesn't hurt to keep them in mind. Just be sure to check that it's from a legitimate card issuer, the card agreement fits your needs and that you haven't had too many hard credit checks recently.

Please know USPS officials would never reach out directly to consumers and ask for money or Personal Identifying Information (PII). Please read the information below to protect yourself from email scams and other kinds of consumer fraud. Click HERE to see an image of a fake email.

Why accounts are opened in other people's names. Scammers may open a bank account fraudulently in someone else's name to bounce checks or overdraw the account. Others may intend to use the account for storing illicitly obtained funds.

Occasionally, a bank may issue a credit card in error. In such a case, you should direct the bank to close the account and remove any record of the account from your credit history. Receiving an unsolicited card also could mean that a third party has applied for the card after stealing your identity.

Identity thieves can retrieve account data from your card's magnetic strip using a device called a skimmer, which they can stash in ATMs and store card readers. They can then use that data to produce counterfeit cards. EMV chip cards, which are replacing magnetic strip cards, can reduce this risk. Spying.

Receiving an unsolicited card could mean: The bank issued the card in error. A third party has applied for the card after stealing your identity. It's a common scam, often referred to as “phishing,” to steal your account information.

If someone stole your identity and is using it to open up credit accounts, you could've received a store credit card that the thief signed up for. Identity theft is a serious issue and also qualifies as fraud.

If you're receiving credit card mail offers, it means credit card companies have decided you might be a good match for one of their products. It doesn't mean you're guaranteed approval if you respond, or that you already have an open account.

Should I accept credit card offers in the mail? ›

These offers allow credit card issuers to expand their business and sell more products to customers they've already deemed eligible. You can ignore, accept or opt out of prescreened offers because it's ultimately a company trying to sell you something.

A: You can call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) or go to OptOutPrescreen.com* to remove your name from the lists supplied to credit card companies and the three nationwide credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and another credit company, Innovis.

Most people just google "change address," but if you do this, be very careful as you could be paying big bucks for this service. There are several privately owned websites who will change your address for you but then also offer a few other services you may not need, but they will charge you close to $80 to do this.

USPS will not send customers text messages or e-mails without a customer first requesting the service with a tracking number, and it will NOT contain a link. So, if you did not initiate the tracking request for a specific package directly from USPS and it contains a link: don't click the link!

The United States has strict laws about mail theft, but sending sensitive information this way poses some risk. Not only can someone steal your information after you've put it in your mailbox and before the mail carrier picks it up, but also once it's been delivered.

What are Government Payment Cards? They are prepaid debit cards provided by the government for disbursement of government benefits (such as Unemployment Insurance, Child Support, and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families).

A bank will typically send you a new debit card if your card is lost, stolen, or compromised in any other way.