Fraudulent USPS Postage & Pop Mart: What Collectors Are Facing Since Sept 11
Pop Mart collectors, especially those awaiting Skullpanda “You Found Me” drops, have recently flagged a disturbing trend: fraudulent or “unpaid/counterfeit” USPS postage labels that cause major shipping glitches, delays, or packages never arriving. Below is what we know so far, how USPS handles counterfeit postage, and steps you can take to protect yourself.
🚩 The Problem Unfolds: Community Reports
-
On Reddit’s PopMartCollectors forums, multiple users report dealing with “counterfeit labels” and reused tracking numbers, leading to packages being mis-routed, intercepted, or held for “postage due.” (Reddit)
-
One user claimed:
“I just spoke to USPS … said they’ve been having issues with ‘counterfeit labels’ … Pop Mart has been reusing tracking numbers.” (Reddit)
-
Some reported their Skullpanda orders were “delivered” to random states, then bounced, or showing “out for delivery” in cities far from their address. (Reddit)
-
Others noted this increase began after September 11, when sudden delays and “awaiting postage payment” statuses emerged. (While I could not locate a definitive marker, collectors’ shared accounts consistently point to post-9/11 timing.)
-
On Facebook and Pop Mart collector groups, similar complaints have surfaced, including emails from USPS asking for additional postage or claiming no payment was received. (Facebook)
So far, official Pop Mart responses are minimal or generic — many buyers say they get the same “we’ll look into it” reply without resolution.
📜 USPS Policy & Official Warnings
To understand the mechanics behind what’s happening, it helps to review USPS rules and official notices:
-
The U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service explicitly warn consumers about counterfeit postage labels and unpaid/underpaid labels that appear valid but aren’t. These labels may pass initial scanners, but later trigger audits or hold-ups. (United States Postal Inspection Service)
-
USPS’s “Counterfeit Postage and Unpaid Postage” FAQ informs users that if a package has label postage that isn’t properly paid, USPS holds the item and may demand payment or “return to sender” unless sender intervenes. (USPS FAQs)
-
Postal inspectors periodically release alerts reminding consumers to be vigilant about imposter mail and fraudulent mailing labels. (USPS)
In short, USPS knows counterfeit postage is a real problem—and steps exist (like audit holds, package retention) to catch it.
🧠 Why It Matters with Skullpanda / Pop Mart Drops
Why are Skullpanda / Pop Mart shipments particularly vulnerable?
-
High volume & hype drops
With multiple drops and millions of orders, mass shipping from China → U.S. may strain oversight. ("You Found Me" is extremely popular, pushing shipping volume.) -
Overseas logistics complexity
Many Pop Mart orders use third-party freight or logistics (Yanwen, YunExpress, etc.) before handing off to USPS last-mile. A label error earlier in the chain can propagate. -
Label reuse & tracking reuse
Reports suggest Pop Mart may be reusing tracking numbers or recycling labels to cut cost, leading to mismatches in USPS systems. If a label was previously used and still tied to another address, that confuses tracking and delivery logic. (Reddit) -
Post-9/11 tightening
After September 11, some carriers and postal systems increased audits on international mail, making fraudulent or underpaid labels more likely to be flagged than in past eras.
Because of these points, Skullpanda collectors are disproportionately reporting these issues compared to lower-volume product lines.
🛡️ What You Can Do (as a Buyer)
While you can’t always control what Pop Mart does behind the scenes, here are actionable steps to protect your orders, minimize risk, and seek resolution if you’re affected:
| Action | Why It Helps | How to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Take screenshots | Documenting status or “awaiting postage payment” messages helps your case. | Save tracking pages from Pop Mart / courier / USPS. |
| File missing mail / “Find My Package” at USPS | USPS may unlock your package from hold status. | Use USPS Missing Mail search tool, local post office. |
| Dispute via payment method | If USPS package never arrives, payment platforms (PayPal, card) may help. | Open a “non-receipt” or “item not received” claim. |
| Contact Pop Mart support + logistics provider | Push responsibility upstream. | Provide order number, tracking, and stamp date. |
| Delay purchasing until shipping proof is better | Wait to see if the issue is resolved before investing in big drops. | Watch community forums for alerts. |
| Verify sellers and avoid resellers using suspicious labels | Some resellers reuse older labels or shady practices. | Check seller feedback, request proof of new shipping label. |
⚖️ Caveats & Legal Perspective
-
There is no confirmed lawsuit or public legal judgment (yet) proving Pop Mart committed mail fraud — these are claims by consumers and some USPS agents.
-
USPS does treat counterfeit postage as a serious offense. If a sender knowingly uses unpaid or fraudulent postage, the carrier may confiscate or return the package.
-
Some delivery delays may simply stem from processing bottlenecks, customs audits, or carrier backlogs — not deliberate fraud.
In short: not all shipping failures = fraud, but repeated patterns plus reused labels + USPS warnings make this a high-risk red flag.
✅ Final Thoughts
The wave of complaints from Skullpanda / Pop Mart collectors is troubling and consistent: recycled labels, tracking reuse, holdups citing unpaid postage. USPS policy backs up that such labels are intercepted.
If you're buying from Pop Mart, proceed cautiously: document everything, choose sellers with proven track records, and be prepared to escalate via USPS, your bank, or consumer protection channels. Meanwhile, the Pop Mart community is watching closely to see if the company responds with transparency or shipping reform.