Protect Yourself Against Mail Theft

The convenience of putting outgoing mail in an unsecured curbside mail box could make you vulnerable to mail theft, often resulting in identity theft!  The postman is signaled by red flags in the upward position on mailboxes that there is outgoing mail to be picked up; likewise, the same signal alerts mail thieves that there is outgoing mail. To a mail thief, the red flag represents easy access to credit card information, bank statements, bank checks, tax payments and other types of personal information to be used for fraudulent activity.    

In addition to the ease of access, mail thieves are aware that it may take awhile before a victim realizes that something is amiss.  When outbound letters vanish, it may take some time before it is discovered that the mail did not reach its intended destination. The disappearance of inbound mail can easily go unnoticed; the first sign of fraud might come as quickly as the next credit card statement. 

What can I do to minimize my exposure to mail theft? 

·         Never put outbound mail into an unsecured mailbox, especially if it contains checks or sensitive personal information.  Instead, take it to a United States Post Office (USPO) or place it in a USPO mail collection box.

·         Use a locking mail box for incoming mail.  Contact your local Postmaster at (303) 792-3799, for regulations and specifications regarding the installation of locking mailboxes.    

·         Remove mail from your mailbox promptly.

·         Have blank check orders held at your bank for you to pick up personally. 

·         Do not have mail delivered while you are out of town.  Have the post office hold your mail until you return.

·         Make sure you are informed when sensitive mail has been sent to you, and follow up quickly if it does not arrive as expected.

·         If you believe you have been victimized in a mail fraud scheme that involves the United States mail, submit a Mail Fraud Complaint Form to the United States Postal Inspection Service.  

·         Contact the Greenwood Village Police Department, at 303-773-2525 for assistance.