Tips On Preventing Mailboxing
From the Office of the US Postal Inspector
Even in today's world of fast-evolving technologies, U.S. Mail remains one of the most secure means of transmitting personal information.
What are some of the things people should be doing to prevent mail theft?
Safeguard financial information, especially your Social Security numbers, account numbers and statements. Be careful when disposing of used credit card receipts and pre-approved credit card solicitations.
Retrieve mail as soon as possible after delivery to the mail receptacle.
If a mail receptacle has a locking device, make sure it works. Apartment boxes should be maintained by the landlord.
If expecting a check or credit card but are unable to be home when it is delivered, have a trusted friend get the mail.
Report any suspicious activity to local police or Postal Inspector. Suspicious activity may be someone following the letter carrier, attempting to break into a postal vehicle or tampering with mail.
Report nonreceipt of valuable mail as soon as possible by calling banks, credit card issuers and the Postal Inspection Service.
Use letter slots at the post office to mail letters or give them to your letter carrier.
Consider having blank checks mailed to a bank for pick up.
Report mail theft by completing PS Form 1510, Mail Loss and Rifling Report, or PS Form 2016, Mail Theft and Vandalism Complaint at any Post Office or by calling 1-800-ASKUSPS.
Obtain Label 33 from the Postal Inspection Service and affix it to your mailbox. The sticker warns that willful damage to mailboxes and theft of mail are crimes.
For Information on How You Can Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft and Fraud Visit Our CASE Partnership Webpage.
Last Modified: Mar 28, 2009 10:19 PM
