Each year, Americans trust the U.S. Postal Service® with billions of letters and packages, and the vast majority of those arrive safely at their intended destinations. But there are always thieves who will target the mail. Postal Inspectors investigate these crimes and arrest thousands of mail and package thieves each year. Still, there are extra steps you can take to ensure your mail arrives safely at its destination.
Follow and share these tips to help protect yourself and others against mail and package theft.
Use Informed Delivery by USPS
Report a Mail-related Crime
Are you a victim or have you witnessed a mail-related crime? Alert Postal Inspectors to the problem and prevent others from being victimized. https://www.uspis.gov/report
Follow and share these tips to help protect yourself and others against mail and package theft.
- Promptly pickup mail - Try not to leave letters and packages in your mailbox or at your door for any length of time.
- Inquire about overdue mail - If you do not receive a check, credit card, or other valuable mail you’re expecting, contact the sender as soon as possible and inquire about it.
- Don't send cash - Be careful about what you send. Don’t risk sending cash in the mail.
- Arrange for prompt pickup - If you cannot be home to receive a package, make another arrangement or use the USPS Hold Mail Service.
- Use Hold for Pickup - When shipping packages, use the Hold for PickUp option, and the recipients can collect the package at their local Post Office™.
- Request signature confirmation - When mailing something important, consider requesting Signature Confirmation™ for the intended recipient.
- File a change of address - If you move, make sure you file a change of address with the Postal Service and let your financial institutions know as well.
- Learn more at https://www.uspis.gov/tips-prevention/mail-theft
Use Informed Delivery by USPS
- See Photos of Your Mail Before It Arrives, Free
- Start your mornings with a preview of your day's USPS® mail and packages with Informed Delivery®:
- Get Daily Digest emails that preview your mail and packages scheduled to arrive soon.
- See images of your incoming letter-sized mail (grayscale, address side only).1
- Track and manage your packages in one convenient place.
- Sign up for free https://www.usps.com/manage/informed-delivery.htm
Report a Mail-related Crime
Are you a victim or have you witnessed a mail-related crime? Alert Postal Inspectors to the problem and prevent others from being victimized. https://www.uspis.gov/report
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