Mail Security: Protect Your Mailbox From Theft and Fraud
Mail theft reports to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service have more than doubled since 2020. Criminals steal checks, tax documents, and pre-approved credit offers to commit identity theft. Here is how to lock down your mailbox and stop mail fraud before it starts.
Why Mail Theft Is Surging
Criminals target residential mailboxes because a single stolen envelope can contain checks, tax forms with Social Security numbers, bank statements, medical records, or pre-approved credit card offers. One stolen check can be "washed" (chemicals remove the ink so the thief rewrites the payee and amount) and deposited for thousands of dollars. Organized rings now drive through neighborhoods pulling mail from unlocked boxes, especially around tax season (January through April) and during the holidays.
How to Secure Your Physical Mailbox
Install a Locking Mailbox
Replace your standard mailbox with a USPS-approved locking model. The mail carrier can deposit mail through a slot, but only you can retrieve it with a key. Look for models that meet USPS-4C standards. Expect to spend $50 to $200 for a quality curbside locking mailbox.
Collect Mail Promptly
Never leave mail sitting overnight. If you cannot collect mail daily, ask a trusted neighbor to grab it, or place a temporary hold through USPS (free for up to 30 days). An overflowing mailbox signals to thieves that you are away.
Sign Up for USPS Informed Delivery
This free service emails you scanned images of letter-sized mail pieces before they arrive. You will know exactly what to expect, so you will notice immediately if something goes missing. Register at informeddelivery.usps.com.
Use a P.O. Box or Commercial Mailbox
For sensitive financial and legal mail, rent a USPS P.O. Box ($20 to $60 per six months at most locations) or a commercial mailbox at a UPS Store. This keeps your mail behind a locked counter in a monitored facility.
Add a Security Camera Covering Your Mailbox
A visible camera deters opportunistic theft. Position it to clearly capture anyone approaching the mailbox. Battery-powered wireless cameras (Ring, Blink, Arlo) install in minutes and send alerts when motion is detected.
Protect Against Mail Fraud
Go Paperless
Switch bank statements, bills, and tax documents to electronic delivery. Every piece of sensitive paper you eliminate from the mail stream is one less thing a thief can steal.
Opt Out of Pre-Approved Offers
Call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT or visit OptOutPrescreen.com to stop pre-approved credit card and insurance offers. These are goldmines for identity thieves.
Use Gel Pens for Checks
Gel ink absorbs into paper fibers and cannot be washed off with chemicals. Never write checks with ballpoint pens, which are easy to wash and rewrite.
Drop Outgoing Mail at the Post Office
Never leave outgoing mail with the flag up in your curbside box. Drop checks and sensitive letters inside a post office or blue collection box before the last pickup time.
What to Do If Your Mail Is Stolen
File a Report with USPS Postal Inspection Service
Call 1-877-876-2455 or file online at uspis.gov. Postal Inspectors are federal law enforcement and take mail theft seriously. Provide your address, dates of suspected theft, and what you believe was taken.
File a Local Police Report
You need a police report number for insurance claims and to dispute fraudulent charges. Some jurisdictions let you file online.
Contact Your Bank Immediately
If checks were stolen, place a stop payment on them and close the account if necessary. Ask your bank to flag your account for check fraud. Request new checks with a different account number.
Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze
If identity documents were stolen (tax returns, Social Security statements, pre-approved offers), place a fraud alert with one credit bureau (it propagates to all three) or freeze your credit at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Mail Security Checklist
- Install a USPS-approved locking mailbox
- Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery
- Switch all financial accounts to paperless statements
- Opt out of pre-approved credit offers at OptOutPrescreen.com
- Use gel pens for all handwritten checks
- Drop outgoing mail at the post office, never in your curbside box
- Collect mail the same day it arrives
- Place a hold on mail when traveling
- Install a security camera covering your mailbox
- Shred all sensitive mail before discarding