Thursday, July 16, 2015

Prevent Mail Theft

It happens more often than you’d think. You send a gift card to a relative or friend, but they never get it. You’re waiting for a rebate check in the mail, and it never shows. While it may be tempting to blame the USPS for these annoyances, it likely isn’t their fault at all. There’s all sorts of reports of mail theft in the media, and these thieves might be the ones who are responsible for your missing mail.

So, now you know that mail theft exists, and it’s not a rare occurrence. But what do you do about it? Well, we’ve got some tips for you that may prevent you from becoming a victim.

One big tip is to never send cash though the mail. While that is common with sending birthday and graduation cards, it is an easy way for your money to be stolen and no one to know. You can’t track cash, so always use a check or money order. If you do plan to send money, it is best to warn the receiver in advanced so they’re watching for it.

On the same note, you should also pick up your mail as soon as you can after it’s been delivered. This is especially true if you yourself are expecting money, credit cards, or gifts in the mail. If you cannot get to your mailbox, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to retrieve your mail.

When sending mail, placing mail in your mailbox with the flag up is the least secure way to do it. Instead, mail your items from a public building or, better yet, from the post office itself. It prevents mail from getting into the wrong hands.

Consider paying bills online, and attempting to get personal financial information all delivered digitally. When you receive mail such as credit card offers you do not want, be sure to dispose of them carefully. Shred them or cut them up so they can’t be stolen and taken out in your name.

If you are going out of town, put a hold on your mail or ask a trusted neighbor to pick up your mail for you. If thieves see an overflowing mailbox, they’ll feel free to take mail from it.

You may also consider investing in a locking mailbox. With these types of mailboxes, you are the only one with access to your mailbox. That way you don’t have to be concerned about thieves approaching your mailbox.


Of course, these tips aren’t foolproof, but they’re a step in the right direction to preventing mail theft.