U.S. Postal Inspectors warn that American businesses are being targeted by a "Nigerian prince" for an old-fashioned confidence swindle purportedly offering huge sums of money from the Nigerian government. This scheme, through implausible at first glance, has achieved remarkable success among unwitting American entrepreneurs.
This is how the scheme works. American companies are contacted by mail by a mysterious Nigerian businessman with an impressive, and probably fictitious, title such as "prince," "chief" or "doctor." The writer states that he is contacting the American business on a referral and that he is operating with the knowledge of Nigerian government officials.
Offering only the sketchiest of details, the writer explains that a large some of money, usually from $10 million to $30 million, is available from the government of Nigeria, if the American firm will act as the accepting agent. For this service, the American firm can expect to receive a fee of 30 percent or more of the amount transferred. The balance is to be paid to the Nigerian accomplices.
The letter instructs the interested recipient to forward three copies of "stamped and signed letter-headed papers," three copies of "stamped and signed pro forma invoices," and the name of the American company's bank and its account number. These documents will permit the Nigerian officials to proceed with the "remittance approval" and transfer of funds.
Executives who have fallen prey to this scheme were invited to visit Nigeria and meet with their fellow conspirators before finalizing the transfer of funds. During the visit they were introduced to the Nigerian government officials who supposedly could approve transfers of funds. The American visitors were also required to put down a small deposit to show good faith and help defray some of the expenses of their ambitious hosts, including bribes to the proper authorities.
Several victims reported that this shakedown took some menacing turns, causing them concern for their personal safety. One unlucky visitor recalled being confronted by two Nigerians in military fatigues carrying automatic weapons before being admitted to his host's compound. This visitor was strip searched by government security agents and was forced to turn over $4,000 in travelers' checks to his accomplice before receiving permission to leave the county.
For the most gullible, additional demands for money will be made by the Nigerian confidant as long as the American will pay. The biggest rip-off is a "tax" that must be paid before the ultimate payoff, which of course, never materializes. One victim admitted paying more than $400,000 before reporting the fraud to authorities.
The arrogant perpetrators of this scheme know that few victims will step forward to complain for fear of implicating themselves in a fraud being committed on the government of Nigeria. Anyone who has been victimized should contact the Postal Inspection Service, Field Operations Support Center, Memphis, TN 38161-0006, or call 1-800-372-8347.
Monday, February 21, 2005
Saturday, February 19, 2005
USPS: OFF TO A GOOD START.
OFF TO A GOOD START.
A significant increase in mail volume and net income of $1.7 billion helped the Postal Service report better-than-expected first-quarter results. Revenue of $18.8 billion and expenses of $17.1 billion produced a net income of $1.7 billion — down from $1.8 billion last year. Even so, revenue grew by 3.2% in the first quarter. USPS Board of Governors Chairman James Miller said, “The Postal Service’s finances are, at the moment, in good order, and service to our customers is being provided at the highest levels in our history.”
Dale Jarrett Says "Yes" to Racing the Big, Brown UPS Truck
Dale Jarrett Says "Yes" to Racing the Big, Brown UPS Truck
The Official Express Delivery Company of NASCAR Speeds Past the Flag
ATLANTA, Feb. 17, 2005 -
UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced the arrival of the moment race fans have been waiting for - Dale Jarrett, driver of the Robert Yates Racing #88 UPS Ford Taurus, has agreed to race the UPS delivery truck in the fifth installment of the popular “Race the Truck” advertising campaign.
What began as a way to create awareness for UPS’s entry with the #88 race team has since transcended the airwaves to become part of NASCAR culture. For more than four years, everyone from celebrities to race fans to UPS employees - even Dale’s father, famed driver Ned Jarrett - has encouraged Jarrett to take the wheel of the ubiquitous brown truck. During FOX’s broadcast of the Daytona 500, scheduled for Sunday, February 20, fans will finally hear their long-awaited reply, “Yes.”
In the new commercial titled “Yes,” Jarrett casually enters a UPS conference room at the company’s Atlanta headquarters and announces he has reconsidered racing the truck. A woman outside the room overhears this statement and tells a fellow co-worker, resulting in a chain reaction of buzz around the globe that even includes UPS employees in China. After it seems everyone knows the big news, Jarrett re-enters and requests this announcement remain a secret for now.
“While Jarrett may have wanted us to keep the news a secret, we just couldn’t keep something like this under our hood,” said Patrick Guilbert, UPS vice president of sponsorships and events. “The Race the Truck campaign lets us showcase the playful side of UPS. We get down to business providing reliable delivery and logistics services to the entire NASCAR family and leadership with our sponsorship program.”
UPS has flexed its muscles as the sport’s official delivery company by coordinating thousands of critical inbound and outbound shipments within the controlled-access garage area at NEXTEL Cup Series events through UPS Trackside Services. A second commercial, also to debut on Sunday, demonstrates to fans how the world’s largest package delivery company helps keep the number two-rated sport on television in high gear and moving fast.
Race teams, sponsors, officials, merchandise vendors and media have come to depend on UPS Trackside Services for last-minute shipments to arrive before the green flag. These services will expand internationally when the NASCAR Busch Series travels to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez road course near Mexico City. UPS Supply Chain Solutions will coordinate the customs clearance and movement of more than 80 car haulers, media trucks and official vehicles across the border and back.
Stateside, UPS has enhanced its relationship with the motorsports community this year by becoming an exclusive track sponsor of California Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway and Richmond International Raceway in addition to expanded presence at Daytona International Speedway. For five years, UPS has been the primary sponsor of the #88 Ford Taurus driven by Dale Jarrett for Robert Yates Racing. Jarrett extends his leadership as a premier driver to the shared commitment of UPS drivers in their big, brown trucks together with a team of nearly 370,000 dedicated employees around the world.
Building on the sport’s popularity and fan loyalty, UPS provides updated information about UPS Racing, the #88 team performance, features and photography and access to licensed merchandise at racing.ups.com.
The Official Express Delivery Company of NASCAR Speeds Past the Flag
ATLANTA, Feb. 17, 2005 -
UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced the arrival of the moment race fans have been waiting for - Dale Jarrett, driver of the Robert Yates Racing #88 UPS Ford Taurus, has agreed to race the UPS delivery truck in the fifth installment of the popular “Race the Truck” advertising campaign.
What began as a way to create awareness for UPS’s entry with the #88 race team has since transcended the airwaves to become part of NASCAR culture. For more than four years, everyone from celebrities to race fans to UPS employees - even Dale’s father, famed driver Ned Jarrett - has encouraged Jarrett to take the wheel of the ubiquitous brown truck. During FOX’s broadcast of the Daytona 500, scheduled for Sunday, February 20, fans will finally hear their long-awaited reply, “Yes.”
In the new commercial titled “Yes,” Jarrett casually enters a UPS conference room at the company’s Atlanta headquarters and announces he has reconsidered racing the truck. A woman outside the room overhears this statement and tells a fellow co-worker, resulting in a chain reaction of buzz around the globe that even includes UPS employees in China. After it seems everyone knows the big news, Jarrett re-enters and requests this announcement remain a secret for now.
“While Jarrett may have wanted us to keep the news a secret, we just couldn’t keep something like this under our hood,” said Patrick Guilbert, UPS vice president of sponsorships and events. “The Race the Truck campaign lets us showcase the playful side of UPS. We get down to business providing reliable delivery and logistics services to the entire NASCAR family and leadership with our sponsorship program.”
UPS has flexed its muscles as the sport’s official delivery company by coordinating thousands of critical inbound and outbound shipments within the controlled-access garage area at NEXTEL Cup Series events through UPS Trackside Services. A second commercial, also to debut on Sunday, demonstrates to fans how the world’s largest package delivery company helps keep the number two-rated sport on television in high gear and moving fast.
Race teams, sponsors, officials, merchandise vendors and media have come to depend on UPS Trackside Services for last-minute shipments to arrive before the green flag. These services will expand internationally when the NASCAR Busch Series travels to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez road course near Mexico City. UPS Supply Chain Solutions will coordinate the customs clearance and movement of more than 80 car haulers, media trucks and official vehicles across the border and back.
Stateside, UPS has enhanced its relationship with the motorsports community this year by becoming an exclusive track sponsor of California Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway and Richmond International Raceway in addition to expanded presence at Daytona International Speedway. For five years, UPS has been the primary sponsor of the #88 Ford Taurus driven by Dale Jarrett for Robert Yates Racing. Jarrett extends his leadership as a premier driver to the shared commitment of UPS drivers in their big, brown trucks together with a team of nearly 370,000 dedicated employees around the world.
Building on the sport’s popularity and fan loyalty, UPS provides updated information about UPS Racing, the #88 team performance, features and photography and access to licensed merchandise at racing.ups.com.
Friday, February 18, 2005
USPS: ON THE FAST TRACK
For the second straight year, the Postal Service reached a 95% on-time performance score for overnight delivery of First-Class Mail. The assessment, which is measured independently by IBM Consulting Services, also cites 90% for two-day and 86% for three-day delivery, according to Postmaster General Jack Potter. Residential customer satisfaction scores are steady at 93% for the third consecutive year.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
USPS stops using American Airlines and US Airways
Latest in Logistics: U.S. Postal Services no longer to use American Airlines or U.S. Airways
2/16/2005
Purchasing.com
The U.S. Postal Service has stopped using American Airlines and US Airways to deliver domestic mail because the two carriers failed to meet performance goals, including on-time delivery.
The suspension took effect Feb. 12 and covers first-class mail and some small packages shipped priority class. Jim Quirk, a Postal Service spokesman, said the agency notified the airlines in December that the USPS 'needed a plan from them to meet the goals' for on-time delivery. He said the post office was optimistic that the two airlines could make corrections and soon be carrying mail again. American spokesperson Tim Wagner said: 'We are talking with them about aspects of our business relationship and ways to improve our performance.' Post office officials estimate that American typically carries about 10% of domestic mail. US Airways spokesman David Castelveter said US Airways' on-time performance declined due to an 'operational meltdown' at its Philadelphia hub over the Christmas holidays that caused flight cancellations. The airline has revamped its schedule and hired more workers in Philadelphia.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
REMINDER: USPS Closed Monday February 21, Presidents Day
Just a reminder....
USPS Closed Monday February 21, Presidents Day
UPS, FEDEX and DHL will still be making their rounds.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Truck Fire Destroys U.S. Mail / Delays UPS Train
LAKELAND -- Thousands of pieces of priority mail were destroyed in a truck fire on Interstate 4 Thursday night.
A tractor-trailer, owned by Phoenix Transport and Services, was carrying about 3,600 priority packages mailed in areas of Tampa and Pasco County with ZIP codes beginning with 335, 336 and 346.
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The mishap also closed nearby CSX railroad tracks for two hours, delaying a train hauling packages for one of the Postal Service's main rivals."It carried UPS packages," said Cheryl Edwards, a Lakeland Fire Department spokeswoman.
See the full story here : http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050212/NEWS/502120369/1039
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Medicine Delivery in Cities After Potential Terrorist Attack
From the Nuclear Threat Initiative website Monday, February 7, 2005 issue.
Experts Question Federal Initiative for Medicine Delivery in Cities After Potential Terrorist Attack
The Bush administration is pressing 21 U.S. cities to develop plans for door-do-door delivery of medicines in case of a terrorist attack using weapons of mass destruction, the New York Times reported today (see GSN, May 21, 2004).
The $27 million Cities Readiness Initiative, an eight-month pilot program announced by the U.S. Health and Human Services Department in May 2004, designated $12 million for the U.S. Postal Service to recruit and train volunteer carriers to deliver drugs from the strategic national stockpile following a possible WMD event.
The initiative partly arises from fears of an anthrax attack, said William Raub, a Health and Human Services emergency preparedness official.
“There are chemicals of a very similar nature sprayed over entire national forests to kill gypsy moths,” he said. “We now realize that an outdoor anthrax release over a city would not be difficult at all.”
New York and 10 other cities have expressed interest in the postal worker plan, according to the Times, but city officials and U.S. Postal Service representatives are still discussing details of such an effort.
“Postal carriers signed up to carry the mail in times of rain, sleet or snow, not anthrax,” said David Heyman, a bioterrorism specialist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “If there are questions of whether medical personnel would even show up to work under such conditions, it’s certainly not clear that postal carriers would.”
Studies conducted by the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University predict that about 35 percent of New York hospital employees would stay away from work following a biological or radiological attack.
Concerns about home delivery include possible theft of medicine from mailboxes and whether people would even be there when the drugs arrived, the Times reported.
“Estimates indicate that about a third of the population would follow orders if told to shelter in place, a third would head for the hills, and a third would hang around to help mobilize relief efforts,” said Stephen Prior, the director of the National Security Health Policy Center at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies. “But these are the types of variables that we have to start figuring out”
(Ian Urbina, New York Times, Feb. 7).
Experts Question Federal Initiative for Medicine Delivery in Cities After Potential Terrorist Attack
The Bush administration is pressing 21 U.S. cities to develop plans for door-do-door delivery of medicines in case of a terrorist attack using weapons of mass destruction, the New York Times reported today (see GSN, May 21, 2004).
The $27 million Cities Readiness Initiative, an eight-month pilot program announced by the U.S. Health and Human Services Department in May 2004, designated $12 million for the U.S. Postal Service to recruit and train volunteer carriers to deliver drugs from the strategic national stockpile following a possible WMD event.
The initiative partly arises from fears of an anthrax attack, said William Raub, a Health and Human Services emergency preparedness official.
“There are chemicals of a very similar nature sprayed over entire national forests to kill gypsy moths,” he said. “We now realize that an outdoor anthrax release over a city would not be difficult at all.”
New York and 10 other cities have expressed interest in the postal worker plan, according to the Times, but city officials and U.S. Postal Service representatives are still discussing details of such an effort.
“Postal carriers signed up to carry the mail in times of rain, sleet or snow, not anthrax,” said David Heyman, a bioterrorism specialist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “If there are questions of whether medical personnel would even show up to work under such conditions, it’s certainly not clear that postal carriers would.”
Studies conducted by the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University predict that about 35 percent of New York hospital employees would stay away from work following a biological or radiological attack.
Concerns about home delivery include possible theft of medicine from mailboxes and whether people would even be there when the drugs arrived, the Times reported.
“Estimates indicate that about a third of the population would follow orders if told to shelter in place, a third would head for the hills, and a third would hang around to help mobilize relief efforts,” said Stephen Prior, the director of the National Security Health Policy Center at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies. “But these are the types of variables that we have to start figuring out”
(Ian Urbina, New York Times, Feb. 7).
UPS: Valentine's Day Rush in Full Bloom
Valentine's Day Rush in Full Bloom for UPS
Press Release
Valentine's Day Rush in Full Bloom for UPSATLANTA, GA, Feb., 5, 2003 - UPS, the world's largest global transportation company, is now in the midst of its annual peak flower delivery period as Valentine's Day draws closer. By Feb. 14, UPS expects to transport approximately seven million pounds of flowers, worth an estimated $45 million.
"UPS carries almost 10,000 boxes of flowers a day from Latin America. During the Valentine's Day season this increases 25 percent," said Tom O'Malley, vice president, UPS Air Cargo, Latin America. "Not only do we face the challenge of delivering a huge amount of cargo, we also must ensure that the flowers arrive in the United States less than 24 hours after they were picked to ensure they stay fresh."
According to the Society of American Florists, 70 percent of cut flowers sold in the United States are imported with the vast majority coming from Latin America. Eighty-five percent of those flowers come through Miami/Dade County International Airport where UPS is the largest air cargo carrier.
The path of a flower from farm to beloved can cover great distances and each step must be carefully synchronized to ensure the delicate cargo stays in top shape. Once UPS receives the cut flowers, they are loaded onto temperature-controlled aircraft where they are kept between 34 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. After the flowers arrive in Miami, the company works with U.S. Customs officials to ensure Valentine's Day roses quickly clear inspections. The flowers are kept cool the entire time in UPS's refrigerated warehouses.
After the flowers pass inspections, UPS sorts them according to their final destinations. The company ships them to countries like Japan and Germany, to U.S. florists, and to the homes of loved ones across the United States.
For UPS customer and flower importer Associated Farms, the success of the Valentine's Day season is key to the company's year-round business.
"Valentine's Day is important to our customers, so on-time delivery is critical," said Hilda Varela, vice president of Miami-based Associated Farms. "If we don't take care of our customers for Valentine's Day, then they won't take care of us for the rest of the year. Fortunately, we picked the right transportation partner in UPS, and we know we can rely on them to make our customers happy."
Here are some other interesting Valentine's Day flower facts from the Society of American Florists (visit www.aboutflowers.com for more information):
60 percent of men say they would like to receive flowers on Valentine's Day
Women buy 38 percent of all floral products sold for Valentine's Day
30 percent of men wait until Valentine's Day to purchase flowers
The rose is the state flower of New York
62 percent of women prefer colored roses other than red
More than 130 million roses are typically sold for Valentine's Day
Women are more likely to buy flowers for their mother than any other friend or relative
UPS is the world's largest global transportation company, offering the most extensive range of e-commerce and supply chain solutions for the movement of goods, information and funds. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., UPS serves more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. UPS stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (UPS) and the company can be found on the Web at www.ups.com.
Press Release
Valentine's Day Rush in Full Bloom for UPSATLANTA, GA, Feb., 5, 2003 - UPS, the world's largest global transportation company, is now in the midst of its annual peak flower delivery period as Valentine's Day draws closer. By Feb. 14, UPS expects to transport approximately seven million pounds of flowers, worth an estimated $45 million.
"UPS carries almost 10,000 boxes of flowers a day from Latin America. During the Valentine's Day season this increases 25 percent," said Tom O'Malley, vice president, UPS Air Cargo, Latin America. "Not only do we face the challenge of delivering a huge amount of cargo, we also must ensure that the flowers arrive in the United States less than 24 hours after they were picked to ensure they stay fresh."
According to the Society of American Florists, 70 percent of cut flowers sold in the United States are imported with the vast majority coming from Latin America. Eighty-five percent of those flowers come through Miami/Dade County International Airport where UPS is the largest air cargo carrier.
The path of a flower from farm to beloved can cover great distances and each step must be carefully synchronized to ensure the delicate cargo stays in top shape. Once UPS receives the cut flowers, they are loaded onto temperature-controlled aircraft where they are kept between 34 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. After the flowers arrive in Miami, the company works with U.S. Customs officials to ensure Valentine's Day roses quickly clear inspections. The flowers are kept cool the entire time in UPS's refrigerated warehouses.
After the flowers pass inspections, UPS sorts them according to their final destinations. The company ships them to countries like Japan and Germany, to U.S. florists, and to the homes of loved ones across the United States.
For UPS customer and flower importer Associated Farms, the success of the Valentine's Day season is key to the company's year-round business.
"Valentine's Day is important to our customers, so on-time delivery is critical," said Hilda Varela, vice president of Miami-based Associated Farms. "If we don't take care of our customers for Valentine's Day, then they won't take care of us for the rest of the year. Fortunately, we picked the right transportation partner in UPS, and we know we can rely on them to make our customers happy."
Here are some other interesting Valentine's Day flower facts from the Society of American Florists (visit www.aboutflowers.com for more information):
60 percent of men say they would like to receive flowers on Valentine's Day
Women buy 38 percent of all floral products sold for Valentine's Day
30 percent of men wait until Valentine's Day to purchase flowers
The rose is the state flower of New York
62 percent of women prefer colored roses other than red
More than 130 million roses are typically sold for Valentine's Day
Women are more likely to buy flowers for their mother than any other friend or relative
UPS is the world's largest global transportation company, offering the most extensive range of e-commerce and supply chain solutions for the movement of goods, information and funds. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., UPS serves more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. UPS stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (UPS) and the company can be found on the Web at www.ups.com.
Monday, February 07, 2005
Postmaster Finder - Search Postmasters by City
Have a concern, complaint, suggestion, or compliment and do not know who to call at your local post office? Try this tool offered on the post office website call the Postmaster Finder at http://webpmt.usps.gov/pmt002.cfm . We searched for our local post office and it shows the post masters for the past 100+ Years !!!!!!!
Postmaster Finder
Postmasters by City
LEE POST OFFICE
MADISON COUNTY, FLORIDA
Name Title Date Appointed Thomas L. Boon Postmaster 12/01/1882
Nigel Brass Postmaster 01/08/1887
James J. Sullivan Postmaster 03/15/1895
Mathew D. Williams Postmaster 12/13/1902
Hugh J. Davis Postmaster 02/06/1907
John Towler Acting Postmaster 12/13/1918
John Towler Postmaster 01/31/1919
Sallie S. Ragan Postmaster 11/30/1920
Miss Vesta Blanton Postmaster 10/25/1921
Mrs. Lessie L. McMullen Acting Postmaster 06/30/1944
Mrs. Lessie L. McMullen Postmaster 07/15/1946
E. E. Register Officer-In-Charge 06/30/1972
Leonard Chapman Hicks Officer-In-Charge 02/16/1973
Leonard Chapman Hicks Postmaster 01/05/1974
Tommy D. Jenkins Postmaster 02/01/1986
Wilbur E. Wood Officer-In-Charge 08/27/1988
Marilyn Joyce Musser Postmaster 02/11/1989
Mary M. Santerfeit Officer-In-Charge 01/12/2004
Postmaster Finder
Postmasters by City
LEE POST OFFICE
MADISON COUNTY, FLORIDA
Name Title Date Appointed Thomas L. Boon Postmaster 12/01/1882
Nigel Brass Postmaster 01/08/1887
James J. Sullivan Postmaster 03/15/1895
Mathew D. Williams Postmaster 12/13/1902
Hugh J. Davis Postmaster 02/06/1907
John Towler Acting Postmaster 12/13/1918
John Towler Postmaster 01/31/1919
Sallie S. Ragan Postmaster 11/30/1920
Miss Vesta Blanton Postmaster 10/25/1921
Mrs. Lessie L. McMullen Acting Postmaster 06/30/1944
Mrs. Lessie L. McMullen Postmaster 07/15/1946
E. E. Register Officer-In-Charge 06/30/1972
Leonard Chapman Hicks Officer-In-Charge 02/16/1973
Leonard Chapman Hicks Postmaster 01/05/1974
Tommy D. Jenkins Postmaster 02/01/1986
Wilbur E. Wood Officer-In-Charge 08/27/1988
Marilyn Joyce Musser Postmaster 02/11/1989
Mary M. Santerfeit Officer-In-Charge 01/12/2004
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