Terrorists Buy UPS Uniforms on eBay
Netlore Archive: Email rumor circulating since 2003 claims a large number of UPS uniforms were mysteriously purchased at inflated prices - possibly by terrorists - on the online auction site eBay
Description: Email rumor
Circulating since: February 2003
Status: Outdated
Analysis: See below
Variant #1:
Email example contributed by P. Roper, 20 Feb 2003:
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From the Illinois State Police: Intelligence information has been received indicating the possible impersonation of UPS and FedEx delivery personnel. Though the particular incident concerns UPS, other individuals may attempt to use similar delivery companies to gain entry into facilities. Security officers and others responsible for screening delivery personnel or accepting deliveries should be especially vigilant with people and vehicles making deliveries. Delivery personnel should have proper identification, and any deviation from normal delivery procedures should be handled with caution. In a related case reported by Michigan State Police, A concerned citizen called to advise that an individual has purchased $32,000 worth of UPS uniforms over the past 30 days on E-Bay. Items bought in single lots. He paid $350 for one UPS shirt, $650 for an UPS jacket. |
Variant #2:
Email example contributed by N. Spehar, 20 Feb 2003:
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Subject: Fw: UPS UNIFORMS This may be a hoax but, just in case read the info below. Alert! Hi, This is something strange, so I just wanted you to be aware of this. Maybe they are planning on robbing banks or maybe this is just a way to gain entry to someone house, so ladies be careful. With everything else going on, terrorist threats and all, just be mindful of anything suspicious. This is someone in Columbia so let your girls know about. If you didn't order something UPS, don't accept it. Love you Ladies and have a wonderful day. Someone in Columbia has purchased $32,000.00 worth of UPS uniforms over the past 30 days on E-Bay. Law enforcement is working on this case; however, no suspect has been identified. Subject may be using the uniforms to gain access to facilities. Make sure individuals properly identify themselves before granting them access to your facility. Remember, when in doubt - CALL THE BUSINESS THE SUBJECT ALLEGEDLY REPRESENTS TO VERIFY EMPLOYMENT. |
Variant #3:
Email example contributed by J. Foster, 21 Feb 2003:
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Subject: Heads up. Received this at work today...thought I'd pass it on to those of us who still go to work everyday or have working spouses. Just one more thing for us to worry about. You may want to keep an eye on the UPS people wandering around your facility. A concerned citizen called FBI/WFO to advise that an individual has purchased $32,000 worth of UPS uniforms over the past 30 days on E-Bay. Items bought in single lots. He paid $350 for one UPS shirt, $650 for an UPS jacket. FBI/JTTF is working the case and to date, we have no ID on subject(s). Intel is advising of this situation in the event this subject is using the uniforms to gain access to buildings and facilities. |
Variant #4:
Email example contributed by W. Little, 19 June 2003:
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Subject: Fwd: UPS ALERT Government regarding purchase of UPS uniforms: BE ALERT!!!! There has been a huge purchase, $32,000 worth, of United Parcel Service (UPS) uniforms on eBay over the last 30 days. This could represent a serious threat as bogus drivers can drop off anything to anyone with deadly consequences! If you have ANY questions when a UPS driver appears at your door, they should be able to furnish VALID I.D.. Additionally, if someone in a UPS uniform comes to make a drop off or pick up, make absolutely sure they are driving a UPS truck. UPS doesn't make deliveries or pickups in anything except a company vehicle. If you have a problem, IMMEDIATELY call your local law enforcement agency right away! TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY! Tell everyone in your office, family, friends, etc. Make people aware so that we can prepare and/or avoid terrorist attacks on our people! Thank you for your time in reviewing this and PLEASE send to EVERYONE on your list, even if they are friend or foe. We should all be aware! Kimberly Bush-Carr |
Comments: This rumor has been circulating since February 2003, at which time I queried eBay spokesman Chris Donnelly about rumored large purchases of UPS uniforms on the auction site. He said: "We are aware of the rumor, but as far as we can tell it's just that -- a rumor." He added that he wasn't aware of any official investigation of the claims by law enforcement (which doesn't necessarily mean one didn't take place).
Likewise, a United Parcel Service spokesman quoted in the March 2, 2003 edition of the Louisville, Kentucky Courier-Journal said: "Call it urban legend or call it hoax, there's nothing to it." He was skeptical of the notion that UPS personnel, who drive regular routes and are typically well known to their commercial customers, would be targeted for impersonation by terrorists.
Articles of UPS clothing have turned up for sale on eBay
Corporate denials notwithstanding, it is a fact that pieces of UPS uniforms have at times turned up for sale on eBay. I found several examples myself on February 28, 2003, the same day I spoke with eBay's Chris Donnelly. He admitted to being unsure whether UPS uniforms were specifically prohibited for sale on eBay. In the event, the items I saw were administratively deleted within hours of their posting, which suggests that auctions involving parcel carriers' uniforms may indeed be banned, or at least monitored for propriety.
According to participants in online discussions tracking this rumor, evidence was found in early January 2003 -- in the form of eBay search results showing completed transactions pertaining to UPS uniforms -- of a few such auctions where the bidding went suspiciously high.
FBI advises 'due diligence and verification'
The FBI ultimately confirmed that such purchases did take place and were thoroughly investigated. The transactions were found not to be terrorist-related.
I repeat: according to the FBI, the transactions were not terrorist-related.
Still, the agency recommends as a matter of course that "due diligence and verification of delivery personnel" be included in the security routine of any building receiving outside deliveries.
Customers who are concerned about the legitimacy of any UPS delivery can call 1-800-PICK UPS to verify it, according to the company's spokesman.
Update
Despite the apparent signature of a Dept. of Homeland Security official named "Kimberly Bush-Carr" on versions of the rumor circulating since June 2003, this message did not originate from the U.S. government. The signature is a hoax.
Sources and updates:
UPS Rumors Are Uniformly Wrong
Washington Post, 8 April 2003It's Amazing What You Can Find Online
KOMO-TV News (Seattle), 27 Feb 2003Person in Brown Works for the UPS
Louisville Courier-Journal, 2 March 2003
Last updated: 11/12/06
