What are people looking for when they steal mail?

Personal and account documents are also a common target of mail theft for the same reason. Such post allows an identity thief to get your birth date, Social Security Number, phone, driver's license number, username, and passwords. Basically, identity thieves may target any direct mail that includes personal details.

What can criminals do with stolen mail?

Criminals may target these documents solely to learn your Social Security number (SSN). With your SSN, they can open new bank accounts, claim your government benefits, and even secure employment.

Does USPS investigate mail theft?

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

Why are so many people stealing mail?

In most cases, the mail is stolen in order to obtain personal identifying information such as banking information, account numbers and Social Security Numbers.

Does USPS mail get searched?

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.

Sticky tape used to steal mail from inside a postal service collection box

How do you fight mail theft?

For more online resources and report forms, visit the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. If you see a mail thief at work, or if you believe your mail was stolen, call police or DPS immediately, then call Postal Inspectors at 877-876-2455 (press 3).

What is the sentence for mail theft?

Mail theft under California Penal Code Section 530.5(e) PC is a misdemeanor offense that is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 court fine. A variety of other conditions of probation may additionally be imposed by the sentencing judge.

Can you call the police on someone for stealing your mail?

Call the police. Mail theft is a felony which carries a sentence of up to five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. You should call the police and report it. If you know who is stealing your mail, or if you have a description of the suspect, then share that information with the police as well.

Is stealing mail a felony in US?

1952—Act July 1, 1952, made any thefts or receipt of stolen mail a felony regardless of the monetary value of the thing stolen.

What do Postal Inspectors 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.

How do I stop someone from using my mail?

How do I stop random peoples mail coming to my house?

Notify your postal carrier

Ask if you can fill out a Change of Address form for the person whose mail you are receiving, and on the line for the forwarding address put “Moved and left no forwarding address.” You can then sign the form with your name and “Current resident.”

Can I block an address from mailing me?

At the time of mailing, you can: Request Restricted Delivery service at the time of mailing by asking the USPS clerk or by marking the mail "Restricted Delivery."

Is there a way to stop getting someone else's mail?

So what should you do to make that happen? First of all, don't throw the mail away, reminds PureWow. Instead, write “not at this address: return to sender” on the envelope and cross out the bar code on the bottom to make sure the message reaches human eyes. Then put it back in the mailbox.

How long does it take USPS to investigate a claim?

Generally speaking, USPS makes claim decisions within 5 to 10 days. The sender or receiver can file the claim, but it must be submitted within 60 days of the shipping date.

What gun do Postal Inspectors carry?

The authorized standard-issue handgun of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is the Sig Sauer P229R DAK . 40 caliber semiautomatic pistol.

How do I open a USPS investigation?

Can the FBI open your mail?

By law, first-class mail is sealed against inspection, meaning that government officials may not open it without first getting a warrant from a judge.

Who investigates postal crimes?

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service's mission is to protect the United State Postal Service, its employees, and its customers from criminal attack, as well as protect the Nation's mail system from criminal misuse.

How long does it take for USPS to resolve a case?

After receiving a completed online claim that includes all required supporting documentation for a payable claim, the Postal Service generally pays the claim within 5–7 business days.

Is it hard to become a U.S. postal inspector?

Obtaining a job as a postal inspector is highly competitive. Applications are accepted only periodically, and jobs are highly sought after.

Can postman carry guns?

See Title 18, United States Code, Section 930. No person on U.S. Postal Service® property may carry or store firearms, explosives, or other dangerous or deadly weapons, either openly or concealed, except for official purposes. See Title 39, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 232.1.

Are postal police armed?

In 2022 alone, Postal Inspectors performed over 5,300 seizures that resulted in more than 17,000 pounds of illicit drugs being taken off the streets. As of 2021, there are about 1,300 Postal Inspectors, who are authorized to carry weapons, make arrests, execute federal search warrants, and serve subpoenas.

Does lost mail ever get found?

The Postal Service™ will attempt to find and return your lost item(s), but submitting a search does not guarantee a successful outcome. We will return any mail piece from which we can locate a good address or match with an official search request.

Can USPS be suing for lost mail?

You can't sue for lost mail, so think about getting insurance if you are concerned about a particular package. You can also send it through certified mail to receive proof that the mail was delivered.