Mail Fraud, Mail Theft, and USPS Informed Delivery

This guide explains how mail fraud works and what you can do to report it, as well as how to utilize the USPS's Informed Delivery service.

MAIL FRAUD

What is mail fraud?

Mail fraud is a type of fraud where scammers attempt to gain money or sensitive information from their targets using the USPS mail service to perpetrate any part of the fraud. It is a federal crime.

What are some common mail fraud scams?

Senior Citizen Scams: Scammers will send phony offers for prescription drugs, funeral and cemetery services, and investment opportunities through the mail to senior citizens. (To learn more on how to protect senior citizens from scammers, please watch this on-demand webinar.)

Veteran Fraud: These scams target veterans, usually by sending fake mail regarding benefits, employment, and exclusive discounts

Phony Sweepstakes, Vacation, and Lottery Winnings: Targets receive mail claiming they have won a contest, a free vacation, or the lottery. To receive their "prize," they must send over credit card numbers and other personal information.

Employment Fraud: These scams include fake job offers, pyramid and cash-checking schemes, where scammers will seek victims' personal and financial information to secure the job.

Telemarketing Schemes: Targets will receive mail describing a “too good to be true” offer. It will include a number to call in order to take advantage of the offer. However, after calling the number, victims will likely face a scammer who will use high-pressure sales tactics to trick them into turning over personal data.

Mail fraud scams share similar red flags to other cyber scams. To learn more, please watch this on-demand webinar on spotting red flags

How to avoid becoming a mail fraud victim

• Never share any sensitive personal information with anyone you don't know or trust.
• Remember: No reputable organization will ever ask you for sensitive information or login credentials
• Slow down and do your research, especially if the piece of mail conveys a sense of urgency. Look up who sent the piece of mail to see if it's legitimate.
• Talk with someone else if you receive a promotion or an offer.

What to do if you are a victim of mail fraud?

• Fill out the U.S. Postal Inspection Service's Mail Fraud Complaint form.
• Call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service's hotline at 1-800-372-8347.

MAIL THEFT

What to do if your mail is stolen?

Rather than attempt to trick victims, criminals may outright steal mail in hopes of finding documents that include sensitive personal information. If you believe, or know, that your mail has been stolen, here are some steps to take:

• If a package was stolen that had a tracking number, fill out this form.
• If a package or a piece of mail was stolen, and it did not have a tracking number, fill out this form and select "Theft of Mail."
• If you mailbox was vandalized, contact your local police department and place a hold on your mail until the mailbox is fixed, regardless of whether you have proof mail was stolen.
• If the stolen mail included sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number, it's highly recommended you place a credit freeze and fraud alert on your accounts.

To track your mail as it's delivered, you can also sign up for the USPS Informed Delivery service.

USPS INFORMED DELIVERY SERVICE

Informed Delivery

USPS offers a free service where you can digitally preview the mail you will receive and manage the delivery of packages. Informed Delivery allows users to know what pieces of mail are coming to them on computer, tablet or mobile, even when they are traveling. The service covers every person living at the address.

USPS Informed Delivery is good for:

1. Missing Mail Clues: If you see a scanned preview of a letter in their Informed Delivery dashboard but don't receive it, that’s a red flag. It might suggest:
   • Someone intercepted the mail.
   • It was delivered incorrectly.
   • It was stolen from the mailbox.
2. Early Warning Signs: If someone is trying to steal your identity and has your address, they may be expecting sensitive mail (like credit cards or tax forms). Informed Delivery can tip you off if those items appear in the preview and then don’t arrive.
3. Mail Theft Patterns: Consistently missing items that were shown in previews could indicate theft or a deeper issue.

To sign up, visit the USPS's website and follow the instruction on the page.