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Protect Yourself From Rising Mail Theft: Key Strategies

Mail theft is a growing concern, with letter carrier robberies increasing dramatically in recent years. This article provides actionable strategies to protect yourself from mail theft and safeguard your identity and finances.

Sep 09, 2025 12:04 Mail theft check fraud is rising. A CT postal worker just pleaded guilty — Here’s what to know

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Protect Yourself From Rising Mail Theft: Key Strategies

Image via CT Insider

Key Insights

Mail theft is on the rise, with an 845% increase in letter carrier robberies between 2019 and 2023.
USPS installed "safe" mailboxes and high-security blue collection boxes in 2023, but the problem persists.
Using a gel pen can prevent check washing by making alterations easily visible.
Avoid using blue collection boxes after the last collection of the day or on Sundays and federal holidays.
Informed Delivery from USPS allows you to preview incoming mail, but be cautious of scams.

In-Depth Analysis

Mail theft has become a significant issue, prompting calls for federal intervention. Representative Ami Bera has urged Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale to address the rampant theft of mail and postal keys. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is actively investigating mail thefts across the country.

**Why does this matter?** Mail theft can lead to identity theft, financial losses, and a general sense of insecurity. Criminals often target checks, washing them to change the payee and amount. Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk.

**How to Protect Yourself:**

1. **Use a Gel Pen:** Gel pens make it harder for thieves to wash checks. 2. **Avoid Late-Day Drop-offs:** Mail blue collection boxes before the last collection of the day. 3. **Retrieve Mail Promptly:** Don't let mail sit in your mailbox. 4. **Enroll in Informed Delivery:** Monitor your incoming mail for any suspicious activity. <a href="https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/informed-delivery-scam&ref=yanuki.com" target="_blank">Learn more about Informed Delivery?ref=yanuki.com</a> 5. **Install a Doorbell Camera:** Deter thieves with visible security measures.

**Sources:** * <a href="https://www.bestlifeonline.com/usps-mail-theft-rising-news/&ref=yanuki.com" target="_blank">Best Life Article?ref=yanuki.com</a> * <a href="https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2025/09/09/congressman-ami-bera-federal-help-mail-theft-sacramento-region/&ref=yanuki.com" target="_blank">CBS Sacramento Article?ref=yanuki.com</a>

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FAQ

What is "check washing?"

Check washing is a method used by mail thieves to alter checks by removing the ink and changing the payee and amount.

How does Informed Delivery help prevent mail theft?

Informed Delivery provides images of your incoming mail, allowing you to monitor what you should be receiving and report any missing items.

Takeaways

Mail theft is a growing problem that affects communities nationwide.
Simple steps, such as using a gel pen and avoiding late-day mail drop-offs, can significantly reduce your risk.
Stay informed and monitor your mail regularly to detect and report any suspicious activity promptly.

Discussion

Do you think these measures will effectively curb mail theft? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

Sources

Mail theft check fraud is rising. A CT postal worker just pleaded guilty — Here’s what to know USPS Warns Mail Theft Is Rising—5 Ways to Protect Yourself Congressman Ami Bera calls for federal help to crack down on mail theft in Sacramento region

Disclaimer

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