What to do if someone is opening your mail

A frustrating and concerning situation! If someone is opening your mail, it's essential to take immediate action to protect your privacy and security. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you address the issue:

1. Confirm the situation: Before taking any action, verify that someone is indeed opening your mail. Check your mailboxes, mailboxes at your workplace, or any other locations where you receive mail.
2. Report the incident: Inform your local post office or the United States Postal Service (USPS) about the issue. You can file a complaint with the USPS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) online or by calling (877) 876-2455.
3. Secure your mail: Take immediate action to secure your mail:
   • Use a locking mailbox or a secure mailbox with a combination lock.
   • Consider using a post office box (PO box) instead of a street address mailbox.
   • Keep your mail collection times private by not announcing when you'll be collecting your mail.
4. Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements, as well as any other accounts that may be affected by the mail tampering.
5. Contact your financial institutions: Inform your banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions about the situation. They may be able to provide additional security measures or monitoring.
6. Change your address: If you're concerned about the security of your current address, consider changing your address with the USPS and updating your address with relevant parties (e.g., banks, credit card companies, subscription services).
7. Document the incident: Keep a record of the incident, including:
   • Dates and times when the mail was opened
   • Types of mail affected
   • Any suspicious activity or descriptions of the person(s) involved
   • Any photos or videos of the mail or the person(s) involved (if safe to do so)
8. Contact local authorities: If you suspect that the mail tampering is part of a larger criminal activity or if you feel threatened, contact your local police department or sheriff's office.
9. Consider a mail tampering investigation: If you're concerned about the severity of the situation, you can request a mail tampering investigation from the USPS OIG.
10. Take steps to prevent future incidents: To minimize the risk of future mail tampering:
    • Use a secure mailbox or a PO box
    • Keep your mail collection times private
    • Consider using a mail forwarding service
    • Monitor your mail regularly and report any suspicious activity

Remember to stay vigilant and take immediate action if you suspect someone is opening your mail. By following these steps, you can help protect your privacy and security.