How to Buy Discount Stamps Without Getting Scammed?

How to Buy Discount Stamps Without Getting Scammed?
Like many small business owners, I frequently mail invoices, documents, and customer packages. Stamps are a regular expense, so when I heard colleagues talking about how they saved money buying discount Stamps, I decided to give it a try.
I found a listing on Amazon offering 100 Forever Stamps for $80!!!—a deal that seemed reasonable considering USPS’s increasing rates. The seller had decent reviews, so I placed my order.
A week later, my package arrived, but when I checked the stamps, they felt different. The paper seemed thinner, and the colors weren’t quite right. Feeling uneasy, I took them to my local post office. My worst fear was confirmed—they were all counterfeit.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, a few days later, I received a notification from my bank that someone had attempted to make a $500 purchase with my credit card. The shady seller had likely stolen my payment details, and my personal information was now compromised.
That single mistake cost me $80 in fake stamps, hours of frustration dealing with my bank, and the risk of identity theft. Unfortunately, I’m not alone—thousands of people fall victim to fake stamp scams every year.
To help others avoid the same mistakes, I put together this comprehensive guide on how to buy discount stamps safelywhile avoiding fraud.
Why USPS Isn’t Always the Best Place to Buy Stamps
While USPS (usps.com) is the official source for stamps, buying from them isn’t always the best option. Here’s why:
✔ No Discounts: USPS sells Forever Stamps at full price ($0.73 per stamp in 2025) with no bulk pricing.
✔ Limited Availability: Many post offices run out of stock, especially during holiday seasons.
✔ Long Wait Times: USPS locations often have long lines and inconvenient hours.
✔ No Flexible Payment Options: USPS only accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal, but lacks payment security features like escrow services.
Because of these reasons, many individuals and businesses look for discount stamps online. However, not all sellers are legitimate.
Where to Buy Discount Stamps (Online & Offline Options)
1. The Best Online Option: Forever Stamp Store
For a safe and reliable source of discount Forever Stamps, Forever Stamp Store is one of the most trusted choices.
✔ Authentic USPS Forever Stamps – No risk of counterfeits.
✔ 5-10% Discount – Buy in bulk and save money.
✔ Fast Shipping – Orders typically arrive in 3-7 days.
✔ Secure Payment Methods – Pay via Credit Card or PayPal for added security.
Comparison of Online Stamp Sellers:
Seller | Discount Rate | Shipping Time | Payment Methods | Reputation |
---|---|---|---|---|
Forever Stamp Store | 5-10% Off | 3-7 Days | Credit Card, PayPal | ✅ Trusted |
USPS (Official Site) | No Discount | 5-10 Days | Credit Card, PayPal | ✅ 100% Safe |
Amazon (Third-Party Sellers) | Varies | 2-5 Days | Credit Card, Amazon Pay | ⚠ Mixed Reviews |
eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace | 20-50% Off | Varies | CashApp, Zelle | ❌ High Fraud Risk |
💡 Pro Tip: Forever Stamp Store provides real USPS Forever Stamps at a legitimate discount, making it one of the safest ways to save money on postage.
2. Buying Stamps from Retail Stores (Safe but Expensive)
If you prefer to buy stamps in person, here are your options:
✔ USPS Post Offices – 100% authentic but full price.
✔ Retail Chains (Walmart, Costco, Staples) – Some locations offer slight discounts when buying in bulk.
✔ Gas Stations & Convenience Stores – Often have stamps but may charge extra fees.
💡 Pro Tip: Costco sometimes sells discount Forever Stamps in bulk, but availability varies.
3. The Growing Problem of Counterfeit Stamps (What News Reports Say)
Fake Forever Stamps are becoming a serious issue, and even major publications have covered it:
- The Washington Post reported that thousands of Americans unknowingly purchased counterfeit stampsonline in 2023, losing millions of dollars collectively.
- The New York Times published an article in early 2024 stating that even some top-ranked Google search results were leading people to scam websites selling fake USPS stamps.
- The Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued warnings about an increase in fake Forever Stamp sales on eBay and Facebook Marketplace, cautioning buyers to verify their sources.
These reports show that fake stamp scams are a growing problem, making it essential to buy from a trusted source.
How to Protect Your Payment Information When Buying Stamps Online
Even if you find a legitimate seller, you still need to protect your payment details from fraudsters.
Best Practices for Secure Payments
✅ Use a Credit Card Instead of a Debit Card – Credit cards offer better fraud protection and chargeback options.
✅ Avoid Bank Transfers & Peer-to-Peer Apps (Zelle, CashApp, Venmo) – These are harder to reverse if you get scammed.
✅ Consider Paying via Bill Payment Instead of Direct Checkout – Some online stamp sellers allow you to receive an invoice and pay through your bank’s bill payment system. This method avoids entering payment details directly on the website.
✅ Check for HTTPS Encryption – Before entering payment info, make sure the website URL starts with “https://”, not just “http://”.
💡 Pro Tip: Using PayPal or virtual credit card numbers can add an extra layer of security when buying discount stamps online.
Final Thoughts: Where Should You Buy Discount Stamps?
Buying discount stamps is a great way to save money—but only if you do it safely.
✔ USPS & Major Retailers – Safe but no discounts.
✔ Forever Stamp Store – Best balance of savings and reliability.
✔ Amazon (Official Sellers Only) – Convenient, but be cautious of third-party sellers.
✔ Avoid eBay, Craigslist, and Social Media Sellers – Too risky.
By following these tips, you can save money on postage and use those extra savings for something more exciting—whether it’s a new phone, a fun trip, or even a down payment on your dream car.
Have you ever bought discount stamps? Share your experience in the comments!