What is the role of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in consumer protection?

The role of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in consumer protection centers around investigating and preventing postal fraud against consumers. This agency is responsible for enforcing laws that protect citizens from fraudulent schemes involving the mail, which can include scams related to goods, services, or personal information. By actively investigating cases of fraud that utilize the postal system, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service helps to maintain the integrity of the mail and safeguards consumers from becoming victims of exploitation, thus playing a crucial role in consumer protection.

Other functions mentioned, such as assisting consumers in filling out insurance claims, regulating postal rates, and providing customer service for postal inquiries, do not directly relate to consumer protection in the context of fraud investigation. These roles, while important within the postal service framework, do not focus on preventing or addressing fraudulent practices that impact consumers.