Seeing Rumors About ISIS Wearing UPS Uniforms? It’s a Hoax

An old online hoax is making the rounds again, and it is causing some panic. The hoax says that $32,000 worth of United Parcel Service (UPS) uniforms were purchased via eBay. The warning claims that "this could represent a serious threat as a bogus driver or terrorist can drop off any type of dangerous package or envelope to anyone with deadly consequences." The report, however, is a complete hoax.

In fact, the hoax first surfaced surfaced in the internet in 2003, according to Snopes. There are several versions to how the rumors first spread on social media in 2003. The Washington Post reported at the time that officials at the FBI, UPS and eBay all debunked these rumors.

"UPS spokeswoman Susan Rosenberg in Atlanta says the e-mail has been "thoroughly investigated" by the FBI and local law enforcement. "It is the urban legend of missing uniforms," she says. EBay spokesman Kevin Pursglove also says the UPS story 'comes up empty," according to the Washington Post report in 2003.

The 2003 rumor resurfaced on Facebook after the ISIS attacks in Paris last week. I know that I have seen several Facebook posts that appeared to be real looking with images of "official" documents from the federal government.

It is also important to note that there are no specific threats to the United States during the Thanksgiving week, according to intelligence officials.