Is mail theft taken seriously?

Mail theft, under federal law, is a serious offense . The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a federal agency, and as such, any theft or tampering with mail violates federal statutes.

Does the USPS investigate mail theft?

The overwhelming majority of USPS employees work conscientiously to deliver the nation's mail. Unfortunately, a small number of employees abuse the public's trust by delaying or stealing the mail. OIG Special Agents work diligently to identify and investigate these crimes .

How to protect yourself from mail theft?

Follow and share these tips to help protect yourself and others against mail and package theft. Promptly pickup mail. ... Inquire about overdue mail. ... Don't send cash. ... Arrange for prompt pickup. ... Use Hold for Pickup. ... Request signature confirmation. ... File a change of address.

Can you call the police on someone for stealing your mail?

Report all suspected mail theft to your local police and Postal Inspector . Consider starting a neighborhood watch program. By exchanging work and vacation schedules with trusted friends and neighbors, you can watch each other's mailboxes (as well as homes).

What is it called when someone steals your mail?

Mail theft includes stealing or taking any posted item, including packages and postcards. This crime does not require the use of force; the taking of things through fraud, deception, or embezzlement is included within the definition of the crime. The mail thief need not intend to keep the mail they are taking.

Does USPS pay for stolen mail?

Either the sender or the recipient may file a claim for insured mail that is lost, arrived damaged, or was missing contents . The person filing must have the original mailing receipt. Each claim must be filed within a certain time period and include proof of insurance, value, and damage.

Can you sue someone for throwing away your mail?

Yes, technically, throwing away someone's mail is illegal . Even if its the previous occupant's. Trying to to get it to stop however, can be a problem.

How do you stop someone from using your address for mail?

Steps to Stop Someone from Using Your Address Preview your mail. ... Return unopened packages. ... Refuse unwanted mail addressed to you. ... Alert companies that send you someone else's mail. ... Opt out of any bulk mailing lists. ... Apply for a Prohibitory Order against the sender (if applicable) ... Scrub your address from public sites. More items...

What do mail thieves look for?

Mail theft is a crime of opportunity. Thieves are looking for anything of value – such as Economic Impact (stimulus) payments or other checks, EDD/unemployment documents, bank and credit card information . Your personal information is also valuable and can be used to commit identity theft and fraud crimes.

Can I put a camera in my mailbox?

Mailbox cameras are generally legal , but it's vital to navigate privacy laws. Placing a camera on your property is acceptable, but avoid infringing on neighbors' privacy. HOA regulations and consent for audio recording should be considered. Always comply with local, state, and federal laws.

How do I make my mailbox theft proof?

Install the right locking mechanism This is where a locksmith can be invaluable. They can help you choose the right lock for your mailbox, and then install it properly. It's important to get a lock that is secure and tamper-proof, but is also easy to open with a key.

Can identity theft occur when someone steals your mail?

Your bills and some of your other mail can contain much-needed information to reproduce your identity, including your address, legal name, account numbers and sometimes even your social security number (Yes, some mail can include your social security number. It shouldn't be that way, but it does happen ).

Who do I contact if my mail is not being delivered?

Track a package or use USPS's Email Us form to file a complaint online. Select the reason for your complaint, including delivery issues and complaints about USPS employees or facilities. Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or TTY: 711.

Mail Theft (2024)

While you should properly address chemical, biological, and radiological threats, mail centers are much more likely to experience problems caused by common crimes such as theft. Security is vital to mail center operations large and small.

See Also

Mail was Stolen

Lack of security can result in theft of supplies, postage, mail, and any valuable information about your company contained in sensitive mail.

To make your mail center secure and to reduce risks and losses, your company should have policies and procedures for the following:

Personnel security.
Access control.
Registered Mail^™ and high-value shipments.
Company funds.
Postage meters.

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Losses are charted by the Postal Inspection Service to identify problem areas and assist Inspectors in tracking down thieves. Report suspected mail losses to Postal Inspectors by calling 877-876-2455 or at www.uspis.gov.

Preventing Theft in your Mail Center
Registered Mail	Keep Registered Mail separate from other mail. Require employees to sign for Registered Mail™ to establish accountability. Use a log to track Certified Mail® and Registered Mail to record the date it’s received, the type of mail, and the Postal Service’s control number. The person receiving the mail must sign and date the log. This provides a reliable tracking system.
Stamp Accountability	Establish adequate controls to identify responsibility for losses that may occur. Never keep postage stamps in unlocked drawers.
Postage Meter Security	Restrict access to postage meters to authorized personnel. Do not allow employees to run personal mail through postage meters as it can result in theft of company funds. You can get an accurate account of postage and its purpose when only authorized employees operate postage meters. Keep your postage meter locked when not in use. Have a trusted employee maintain a record of meter register readings. This helps detect unauthorized, after-hours use of the meter and helps you obtain a refund if your meter malfunctions.
Pettycash	Avoid paying for business reply, postage due, or other postal costs from petty cash. A petty cash drawer can provide a theft opportunity for dishonest mail center employees.
Advance Deposits	Set up an advance-deposit account with your Post Office. Companies that prefer using petty cash can protect themselves against theft by requiring receipts from the Post Office for postage paid and by checking mail to ensure it balances with receipts.
Use of Authorized Depositories	Don’t leave trays or sacks of mail on a curb next to a full collection box. If this is a problem, contact your postmaster to resolve. This could prevent your mail from being lost or stolen.
Outgoing Mail	Periodically compare outgoing mail against customer order lists. This can detect dishonest employees using their name and address for orders shipped to legitimate customers. This is a difficult crime to detect unless someone reviews outgoing mail. When checking outgoing mail, see if employees are using metered postage for personal mail.
Outside Mail Preparation Services	Postal Inspectors have found some mail preparation service staff pocket fees without entering the material into the mail or have grossly overcharged advertisers for postage. Your local Post Office’s Business Mail Entry Unit uses the PS Form 3600 series to maintain a record of bulk mailings. Any questions related to quantity, costs, and the date of a mailing can be verified by contacting this unit.
Incoming Mail	Clearly label depositories used to receive incoming mail and outgoing mail. Use PS Label 33, Report Mail Theft, Tampering, or Vandalism of this Mailbox (see a sample on page 11), available from your local Post Office or the Postal Inspection Service, to alert employees that material in such receptacles is protected by federal law.
Missent Mail	Have a system to handle misdelivered or missent mail. Immediately return all such mail to the Post Office.

Mail Theft (2024)

FAQs

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