What do thieves do with stolen mail?

In the simplest scheme, mail thieves steal checks out of the mail and create fake IDs to match the names on the stolen checks. The thieves then cash the checks at local check-cashing businesses.

What do criminals do with stolen mail?

And while the mail thefts start the way they always have—with criminals getting access to actual envelopes—the internet has added a twist: Criminals can sell stolen materials such as mailbox keys and checks in online forums, increasing the financial rewards.

What are thieves looking for when they steal mail?

Thieves are looking for anything of value – such as Economic Impact (stimulus) payments or other checks, EDD/unemployment documents, bank and credit card information. Your personal information is also valuable and can be used to commit identity theft and fraud crimes.

Do mail thieves get caught?

To be caught and charged with mail theft, a suspect would typically need to be both directly linked to the crime—and being caught on camera isn't even always enough proof—and be found to be in possession of the items.

What to do when mail has been stolen?

If you think your mail has been stolen, notify the Postal Inspector at 877-876-2455 or at the USPS Office of the Inspector General website at It's also best to file a claim as quickly as possible. In some cases, the USPS can trace a stolen gift card.

Thieves Use Stolen Mail in ‘Check Washing' Scheme

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 often is mail stolen?

Even though USPS lost mail statistics show that lost mail can't be counted, it's estimated that 1.7 million packages are stolen per day in the US. That's around $20 to $30 billion lost every year.

What happens to someone who steals a package?

Theft of U.S. Mail can qualify as a federal offense. This can result in a federal prison sentence of up to 5 years and a fine up to $250,000.00.

Why do thieves break into mailboxes?

“Community mailboxes are a target for thieves because they can steal multiple pieces of mail at one location, and most of the time, those mailboxes are not monitored by any cameras,” explains the police department's Ty Wood.

Do things get stolen in the mail?

The Postal Inspection Service data showed that mail theft reports soared by 600% over the past three years, from about 25,000 in 2017 to roughly 177,000 through Aug. 24 of this year.

Why do they steal mail?

The primary motive behind these robberies, the March 7 advisory said, is financial theft: “Criminals are stealing mail … to obtain checks, financial instruments, and personal identifying information to commit bank fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud and identity theft.”

What do thieves do with stolen checks?

What can someone do with a stolen check? Once they've intercepted your check, thieves might find a way to cash it for the amount written or change it to a larger amount. In some cases, they may use chemicals to alter the name of the payee, or the amount.

Are USPS mailboxes safe?

"Those are designed to be a very secure method of receiving that collections mail," Adam Sale, USPS inspector, said. Even as safe as they are, they too, just like neighborhood mailboxes, can sometimes become the target of thieves. Which is why the USPS never recommends leaving things in mailboxes overnight.

Can you put a camera on your mailbox?

Legal if You Own the Mailbox

If you own the mailbox, it is absolutely within your rights to install an outdoor security camera to monitor the safety of your mail. Always be mindful of the viewing area of your security solutions, though.

What do porch pirates do with packages?

This Frisbee-like device is a virtual security guard. Connect it to your WiFi and position it on your doorstep, instructing delivery people to place packages on top of it. If a would-be porch pirate attempts to steal the package or the Package Guard device itself, a loud internal siren will be activated.

What happens if a porch pirate steals your package?

If it appears that your package has been stolen, contact the seller or retailer that sold you the item. Retailers have different policies and processes for handling stolen items, but you're usually entitled to a refund or a replacement. Amazon covers most stolen packages through its "A-to-Z" Guarantee Protection.

Will USPS refund for stolen package?

If your USPS lost package was insured, you should be able to get a refund directly from USPS. If your USPS package was stolen, you should be able to go through the seller to receive a replacement or refund.

What happens lost mail?

Here's how it works: the USPS processing centers send all their undeliverable mail to the Mail Recovery Center. They scan and open the packages to look for identifying info that may help get the package to its rightful owner—if the item has a value of $25 or more.

What percentage of mail is stolen?

Wikipedia says 3%, but measuring is difficult. Even the Government Accountability Office (GAO) says some post office assessment criteria are “unsuitable as benchmarks.” In addition, the post office “does not measure and report its delivery performance for most types of mail.”

Does the FBI investigate mail theft?

Introduction. To protect the mail and to maintain the integrity of postal processes and personnel, the Postal Service relies on the investigative efforts of OIG special agents. These special agents – federal law enforcement officers investigate internal crimes and fraud against the Postal Service.

Is stealing mail from a mailbox a federal offense?

Because the United States Postal Service is a federal agency, mail theft is considered a federal crime. According to the United States Code 18 Section 1708, federal mail theft is a felony. Being charged with stealing mail could land you in federal prison for up to five years and cause you to pay a fine up to $250,000.

How much power do Postal Inspectors have?

39 CFR § 233.1 - Arrest and investigative powers of Postal Inspectors. § 233.1 Arrest and investigative powers of Postal Inspectors. (5) Make seizures of property as provided by law. (ii) The Inspection Service will investigate all allegations of violations of postal laws or misconduct by all other persons.

Can a stolen check be cashed?

What can I do? Contact your bank or credit union right away. State law generally provides that you are not responsible for a check if someone forged the signature of the person to whom you made out the check. Tell your bank or credit union what happened and ask for the money to be restored to your account.

Can I cash a check I found?

If it's payable to you then yes you can cash it. If it's made to someone else then its not yours and you should return it. There may be a reward. Cashing it if it's not yours is likely to get you some prison time...