Does USPS check packages before sending?

If the package is not classified as Priority Mail Express™ service (domestic or international), Priority Mail® service, First–Class Package Service™, or an international letter package, it may be opened and its contents examined.

Does USPS inspect every package?

In fact, the post office says many items never get screened at all. The United States Post Office handles more than 500 million pieces of mail every single day. They say they simply deal with too much mail to screen every package individually.

How does USPS check packages for drugs?

The only way that an item sent through USPS can be seized and searched is with a search warrant. If there is probable cause to believe that a letter or package contains something that is in violation of federal law, then the Postal Inspectors can request a search warrant to open the piece of mail.

What makes a USPS package suspicious?

Misspelled common words. No return address or strange return address. Unusual addressing, such as not being addressed to a specific person or the use of incorrect titles or titles with no name. Restrictive markings, such as “personal,” “confidential,” or “do not x-ray”

Does USPS flag packages?

Mail may be flagged if the letter or package is stained or is leaking. According to a USPS brochure, reused packaging and boxes are only acceptable when all markings and labels are removed or completely marked out.

How mail agencies identify suspicious packages

Are USPS packages Xrayed?

Is Mail X-Rayed? Some of the mail that is sent through the United States Postal Service will pass through an X-Ray machine. There are no specific guidelines as to what may or may not be x-rayed, though mail sent to or through larger cities is likely to pass through an X-Ray machine.

What makes a package suspicious?

Common Characteristics of Suspicious Packages

Package or envelope with suspicious leaks, stains, or powdered substances. Package is rigid, bulky, or has excessive tape/string. Poor handwriting, misspellings, improperly addressed. Excessive postage, no postage, or no/strange return address.

Does USPS actually investigate?

We Do!

As a federal law enforcement organization with almost 250 years of experience, our Inspectors investigate every aspect of mail-related crime--including mail theft, mail fraud, and mail containing dangerous items or substances.

What are 3 examples of a suspicious package?

Does USPS investigate?

Postal Inspectors investigate any crime with a nexus to the mail. These crimes include mail theft, mail fraud, financial fraud, identity theft, robberies and burglaries of postal facilities, assaults and threats on postal employees, investigations of dangerous and prohibited mails, narcotics, cybercrime and much more.

Do you get in trouble if your package is seized?

You may be subject to penalties up to the value of the genuine merchandise based on the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). These can be quite high and would require a separate petition filing to mitigate these fines down. Note you may not receive a penalty notice until way after the seizure case was closed.

What is one example of a red flag a package with USPS?

Misspelled words, badly typed or written lettering, restrictive markings and no return address could indicate trouble. Labels could be a red flag. If a package is sent with an incorrect title or addressed to a title only, it has the potential to be dangerous if opened.

Can you send pills in the mail?

Medicines are controlled substances and are subject to strict regulations. Prescription medications may only be mailed by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registered distributors. Similar regulations apply to some over-the-counter medications.

Can USPS ask what's in my package?

When you bring your mail to the post office, employees will ask if there are any liquids, flammable, or hazardous material inside the package. It's your responsibility to make sure anything you mail complies with what's allowed.

What does USPS consider irregular packages?

An irregular package is basically anything outside of normal packaging, dimensions, and weights for both USPS and UPS services. Some examples of these kinds of packages are mailing tubes, or anything that isn't inside a cardboard box, envelope, or poly mailer.

Does USPS audit packages?

The OIG's Office of Audit conducts and supervises objective, independent audits and reviews of USPS programs and operations to: Prevent and detect fraud, waste, and misconduct; Promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness; Promote program integrity; and.

What causes a package to be flagged?

Package or envelope with suspicious leaks, stains, or powdered substances. Package is rigid, bulky, or has excessive tape/string. Poor handwriting, misspellings, improperly addressed. Excessive postage, no postage, or no/strange return address.

Can USPS open suspicious packages?

If there is probable cause to believe the contents of a First-Class letter or parcel violate federal law, Postal Inspectors can obtain a search warrant to open the mail piece. Other classes of mail do not contain private correspondence and therefore may be opened without a warrant.

What are the 4 C's for suspicious packages?

When dealing with suspicious items apply the 4 Cs protocol: CONFIRM, CLEAR, COMMUNICATE AND CONTROL.

What does USPS do with suspicious mail?

Postal Inspectors within the Dangerous Mail Investigations Program are specially trained to recognize the common characteristics of suspicious mail and use an array of specialized screening equipment to identify and mitigate threats to postal infrastructure, its employees, and the general public.

Does the post office investigate stolen packages?

Losses are charted by the Postal Inspection Service to identify problem areas and assist Inspectors in tracking down thieves. Report suspected mail losses to Postal Inspectors by calling 877-876-2455 or at www.uspis.gov. Keep Registered Mail separate from other mail.

Does USPS investigate mail theft?

The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) investigates: Mail Theft.

Does UPS look in your packages?

Right of Inspection

UPS reserves the right to open and inspect any package tendered to it for transportation.

What does suspicious activity look like?

Suspicious activities or behaviors may include, but are not limited to: Wandering around campus areas attempting to open multiple doors. Seeming nervous and looking over their shoulders. Entering restricted areas when not authorized or following immediately behind others into card-access areas while the door is open.

How long does it take USPS to investigate a missing package?

What happens if my lost package is not found? After you submit your request online, the USPS will begin searching for your lost mailpiece. The USPS will continue looking for your Missing Mail Search Request through their system until the search expires, typically 3 months after the request was submitted.