Mail theft has been on the rise in San Antonio especially after the holidays and with tax season up on and is a huge threat on your property and identity.

Mail theft penalty in the United States is a federal offense and those found guilty of mail theft can be fined up to $250,000 or imprisoned for a period of up to five years or both.

Below are ways to prevent mail theft from happening to you.

1. When sending mail, use the letter slots inside your Post Office™ or hand it directly to a letter carrier.
2. Pick up your mail promptly after delivery—never leave it in your mailbox overnight. If you’re expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail.
3. If you don’t receive a check or other valuable mail you’re expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately.
4. If you change your address, immediately notify your Post Office™ and anyone with whom you do business via the mail.
5. Never send cash in the mail.
6. Tell your Post Office™ when you’ll be out of town, so they can hold your mail until you return.
7. Report all suspected mail theft to a Postal Inspector and the police (see below).
8. Consider starting a neighborhood watch program. By exchanging work and vacation schedules with trusted friends and neighbors, you can watch each other’s mailboxes (and homes).
9. Consult with your local Postmaster for the most up-to-date regulations on mailboxes, including the availability of locked centralized or curbside mailboxes.

Report mail theft on line by clicking the link below or you can call 1-800-ASK-USPS(8777).

https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/investigations/MailFraud/fraudschemes/mailtheft/ReportMailTheft.aspx

  crime, safety, san antonio