Understanding the Change of Address Fees at USPS
If you have ever experienced an unexpected charge when moving to a new address, you might wonder why the post office levies such fees. This article aims to demystify the reasons behind these charges and how to avoid being scammed.
The Costs Associated with an Online Change of Address
Both handwritten and in-person forms for a change of address are free. Nevertheless, filing an online change of address (COA) requires a verification fee. This is primarily to confirm your identity, and the charge typically amounts to $1.05, but it can be higher under certain circumstances.
Verifying Your Identity Online
When you file a change of address electronically, the post office uses your credit or debit card to verify your identity. This is why you might see a charge of up to $1.50 on your account, which is imposed by the credit card provider. It is important to note that the USPS does not itself charge for a change of address; rather, the charge is passed along due to the processing fees associated with credit card transactions.
In situations where the post office has difficulty verifying your identity, they may charge an additional $5.00. Additionally, beware of websites masquerading as the USPS that charge a much higher fee, such as $20.00, for a service that is actually free.
Free Options for Changing Address
The least hassle and most economical way to change your address is to do it in person or via a handwritten form. You can also visit your local post office where they will fill out the form for you without any additional cost. Online forms are convenient, but be aware of the fees involved and ensure you are using the official USPS website to avoid scams.
Why the Online Fee Sometimes Varies
The cost of $1.05 is for identity verification purposes, which are necessary to prevent fraud. However, if you already have a USPS account, you can use it to file the COA without an additional charge. If you do not have an account, creating one is quick and easy, and it will allow you to file the COA for free.
Scams and How to Protect Yourself
It is important to be vigilant when seeking services from the USPS. There are numerous fraudulent websites that claim to offer change of address services but charge excessive fees. Always search for the official USPS COA website through a search engine, and look for the URL that starts with
Scammers often claim to be affiliated with the USPS but charge you $40 or more for a service you can do yourself for free. They may offer additional services or promise quick and easy processing, but these come at a significant cost. Some of these companies may also sell your personal information to advertisers.
Reporting Malicious Activities
If you have been a victim of such a scam, it is advisable to keep a record of the transaction and contact the postal service to report the incident. Additionally, you can report fraudulent activities to IdentityTheft.gov, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or State Attorney General's office.
Conclusion
In summary, the post office does not charge for changing your address unless you do it online through their website. The charges are primarily for identity verification. To avoid scams, always use the official USPS website for COA, never provide personal or payment information to unknown websites, and check for the distinct URL indicators. Should you encounter any issues, contact postal service inspectors to report the scam and protect yourself from further fraudulent activities.