Mail theft canada post

A frustrating and concerning issue! Mail theft is a serious problem that can cause significant inconvenience and financial loss for individuals and businesses. Here's some information on mail theft in Canada and what you can do to protect yourself:

Prevalence of mail theft in Canada:

According to Canada Post, mail theft is a significant problem in Canada, with an estimated 1 in 10 households experiencing mail theft each year. The most common types of mail stolen are:

  1. Credit card offers and statements
  2. Bank statements and cheques
  3. Identity documents (e.g., passports, driver's licenses)
  4. Gift cards and prepaid cards
  5. Cash and valuables sent through the mail

How to protect yourself from mail theft:

  1. Use a secure mailbox: Install a locking mailbox or a post office box to prevent unauthorized access to your mail.
  2. Monitor your mail: Check your mailbox regularly to ensure that your mail is not being stolen or tampered with.
  3. Use a mail forwarding service: Consider using a mail forwarding service, such as a post office box or a mail forwarding company, to receive your mail.
  4. Shred sensitive documents: Shred any sensitive documents, such as credit card offers and bank statements, to prevent identity theft.
  5. Report suspicious activity: If you suspect that your mail is being stolen or tampered with, report it to your local police department and Canada Post.
  6. Use a tracking number: Use a tracking number when sending valuable or sensitive items through the mail to ensure that they are delivered safely.
  7. Consider using a secure delivery service: Consider using a secure delivery service, such as a courier service, to deliver valuable or sensitive items.

What to do if your mail is stolen:

  1. Report the theft: Report the theft to your local police department and Canada Post.
  2. Contact your financial institutions: Contact your financial institutions to report any stolen or missing financial documents.
  3. Monitor your credit reports: Monitor your credit reports to ensure that no unauthorized accounts have been opened in your name.
  4. Consider placing a fraud alert: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports to prevent identity theft.

Canada Post's efforts to combat mail theft:

Canada Post has implemented several measures to combat mail theft, including:

  1. Secure mailboxes: Canada Post has installed secure mailboxes in many areas to prevent unauthorized access to mail.
  2. Mail tracking: Canada Post uses mail tracking technology to monitor the movement of mail and detect any suspicious activity.
  3. Collaboration with law enforcement: Canada Post works closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute mail theft cases.
  4. Public awareness campaigns: Canada Post runs public awareness campaigns to educate Canadians about the risks of mail theft and how to protect themselves.

By taking these precautions and being aware of the risks, you can help protect yourself from mail theft and ensure that your mail is delivered safely and securely.