Mail theft is on the rise across the U.S., and it’s more than a nuisance. It represents a serious risk of identity theft and financial fraud. Protecting your mail is an important part of safeguarding your identity and personally identifiable information from risk.

Why Mail Theft Is Serious

Criminals target mailboxes to steal checks, credit card offers, tax documents and other personal information. Once stolen, this data could potentially be used to commit identity fraud, open unauthorized accounts under stolen identities or gain access to financial accounts. In recent years, mail-related crimes have been on the rise.

Tips to Help Prevent Mail Theft:

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) offers several practical steps to help you protect your mail.

Use a Locked Mailbox

Install a secure, locking mailbox or consider using a Post Office Box at your local post office. This makes it harder for thieves to access your incoming mail.

Retrieve Mail Promptly

Pick up your mail as soon as possible after delivery. Avoid leaving mail in your box for extended periods. The less time it spends in the box, the less opportunity for anyone else to get it.

Hold Mail When Away

Going on a vacation or an extended business trip? The USPS offers a Hold Mail service to pause delivery until you return. This prevents mail from piling in your mailbox.

Avoid Sending Sensitive Items from Home

If you plan to mail checks, important documents or other sensitive information, consider mailing it directly at the post office or using secure collection boxes – preferably inside the building. Avoid leaving such documents in your home mailbox awaiting collection.

Sign Up for USPS Informed Delivery

This free service lets you preview incoming mail digitally, helping you know if a mailed item is missing from delivery.

Report Suspicious Activity

If you suspect mail theft or vandalism, report it immediately to your local police and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. You can file a report online at https://www.uspis.gov/report.

Mail theft is often a precursor to bigger financial crimes. Stay vigilant. By taking simple precautions, you can help reduce your risk and better protect your sensitive information.

For more information and resources about fraud and cybersecurity, be sure to visit the Cadence Bank Fraud and Security Center.

Sources:
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Mail-Theft
https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/banking/article/stolen-mail-checks-225953545.html
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/check-washing-costs-americans-over-210000527.html
https://www.uspis.gov/tips-prevention/mail-theft

This article is provided as a free service to you and is for general informational purposes only. Cadence Bank makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the content in the article. The article is not intended to provide legal, accounting or tax advice and should not be relied upon for such purposes.