Mail Theft

Stay AlertUS Postal Inspection Service

Thieves continue to use different methods to commit theft including mail theft. Confidential personal information can be obtained from postal mail in your mailbox.

  • Consider investing in a U.S. Postal Service-approved locking mailbox to protect your mail from theft.
  • If you are the victim of mail theft you can file a mail theft complaint with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Prevention

Here’s what you can do to protect your mail from thieves:

  • Avoid leaving outgoing mail in your mailbox for pick up. Use the letter slots inside your post office for your mail, or hand it to a letter carrier.
  • Pick up your mail promptly after delivery. Don’t leave it in your mailbox overnight. If you’re expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail.
  • If you don’t receive a check or other valuable mail you’re expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately.
  • If you change your address, immediately notify your post office and anyone with whom you do business via the mail.
  • Don’t send cash in the mail.
  • Tell your post office when you’ll be out of town, so they can hold your mail until you return.
  • Report all suspected mail theft to a 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).
  • Consult with your local postmaster for the most up-to-date regulations on mailboxes, including the availability of locked centralized or curbside mailboxes.