Postal worker or thief? Don't be fooled

MOBILE, Ala. - We're continuing our special segment featuring scams that you need to be aware of during the holidays. No. 3 in Fox 10's "Ten Scams of Christmas" is about scam artists posing as employees of reputable courier services such as the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx and UPS.

Mobile County Sheriff Sam Cochran said this is particularly popular this time of year because a lot of people receive gifts by mail.

"This is a scam as well as something someone could use as a home invasion and lure you to open the door to them as if they were delivering a present to you. Then, they can use that as a way to force their way into your residence," said Cochran.

Sheriff Cochran said you should look for a marked vehicle, a uniform and credentials before opening your door.

"I would not open the door to someone that you do not know if you do not recognize them, recognize credentials or a uniform they may have. Be particularly leery if they ask to use the bathroom or if they ask to use the phone," he said.

The Sheriff said if you have any suspicions, don't go to the door. If a legitimate courier has a delivery for you, in most cases, they can leave it at your doorstep. If the package requires a signature and you don't answer your door, the delivery person can leave a notice. Then, you can pick up the package yourself, or have it delivered at a later time.