How to report mail theft
If you suspect that your mail has been stolen, there are several steps you can take to report the incident and help prevent future theft:
- Contact your local post office: Reach out to your local post office or the United States Postal Service (USPS) customer service number (1-800-275-8777) to report the theft. Provide as much information as possible, including the date and time of the theft, the type of mail stolen, and any relevant details about the suspect.
- File a police report: If you have a police department in your area, file a report with them as well. This can help you obtain a police report number, which you can use to track the status of your stolen mail and potentially recover any stolen items.
- Contact the USPS Office of Inspector General: The USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) is responsible for investigating mail theft and other postal crimes. You can contact them at (877) 876-2455 or submit a complaint online.
- Report the theft to your credit card company: If you had any credit cards or financial documents stolen, contact your credit card company and report the theft. They may be able to freeze your accounts and prevent any unauthorized transactions.
- Monitor your credit reports: Keep an eye on your credit reports to ensure that no fraudulent activity has occurred. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) once a year from AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Consider installing a mailbox lock: If you're concerned about future mail theft, consider installing a mailbox lock to prevent unauthorized access to your mail.
Additional tips:
- Keep an eye on your mail: Try to check your mail regularly to catch any suspicious activity.
- Use a secure mailbox: Consider using a mailbox with a lock or a secure location, such as a post office box.
- Report any suspicious activity: If you see someone suspicious around your mailbox or neighborhood, report it to the authorities.
- Consider using a mail forwarding service: If you're going to be away from home for an extended period, consider using a mail forwarding service to hold your mail until you return.
Remember to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to help prevent mail theft and protect your personal information.