Ars theft of mail

A serious issue!

Mail theft, also known as mail fraud or mail tampering, is the unauthorized opening, taking, or destroying of mail or packages. It's a violation of federal law and can have serious consequences for the perpetrator.

Here are some facts and statistics about mail theft:

  1. Prevalence: According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), mail theft is a significant problem, with an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 cases reported annually.
  2. Types of mail theft: There are several types of mail theft, including:
    • Stealing mail from mailboxes or post offices.
    • Opening or tampering with mail.
    • Stealing packages from doorsteps or mailrooms.
    • Using stolen mail to commit identity theft or fraud.
  3. Consequences: Mail theft can have serious consequences, including:
    • Financial losses: Victims may lose money, credit, or other valuable items.
    • Identity theft: Stolen mail can be used to commit identity theft, leading to financial and personal problems.
    • Emotional distress: Mail theft can cause anxiety, stress, and feelings of violation.
  4. Investigation and prosecution: The USPS and local law enforcement agencies investigate and prosecute mail theft cases. Penalties can include fines, imprisonment, and restitution to victims.
  5. Prevention: To prevent mail theft, you can:
    • Use a secure mailbox or post office box.
    • Keep your mail and packages in a safe location until you can collect them.
    • Consider using a mail forwarding service or a secure package delivery service.
    • Report any suspicious activity to the USPS or local authorities.

If you're a victim of mail theft, you can:

  1. Contact the USPS: Report the theft to your local post office or the USPS's mail theft hotline (1-877-876-2455).
  2. File a police report: File a report with your local police department to document the theft.
  3. Contact your credit reporting agencies: Notify the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report.
  4. Monitor your accounts: Closely monitor your bank and credit card accounts for any suspicious activity.

Remember, mail theft is a serious crime that can have significant consequences. If you're a victim, don't hesitate to report the incident and take steps to protect your identity and financial well-being.