What is mail theft?
Understanding mail theft
Mail theft is a federal crime that involves stealing, taking, or fraudulently obtaining letters, packages, postal cards, or any mail matter from mailboxes, post offices, mail carriers, or other authorized depositories. Under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1708), offenders face fines and up to five years in federal prison.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) investigates mail theft cases across the country. These crimes affect millions of Americans each year, leading to financial loss, identity theft, and compromised personal information. Understanding how mail theft works, how to recognize it, and how to protect yourself is essential for every household and business.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Federal statute | 18 U.S.C. § 1708 |
| Maximum prison sentence | 5 years |
| Investigating agency | U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) |
| Reporting hotline | 1-877-876-2455 |
| Online reporting | uspis.gov/report |
| Active crime in progress | Call 911 |
Federal laws and penalties for mail theft
Mail theft is prosecuted as a federal felony under 18 U.S.C. § 1708, regardless of the monetary value of the stolen items. A conviction can result in a fine, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. The law covers a broad range of actions, not just physically taking mail from a mailbox.
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Stealing mail from a mailbox, post office, or mail carrier | Up to 5 years in prison and/or fines |
| Obtaining mail through fraud or deception | Up to 5 years in prison and/or fines |
| Stealing mail left for collection near a collection box | Up to 5 years in prison and/or fines |
| Buying, receiving, or concealing stolen mail (knowingly) | Up to 5 years in prison and/or fines |
| Destroying or embezzling mail | Up to 5 years in prison and/or fines |
What the law covers
The statute is deliberately broad. It applies to anyone who steals, takes, abstracts, or obtains mail by fraud or deception from any of the following locations:
- Post offices and postal stations
- Personal letter boxes and mail receptacles
- Mail routes and authorized depositories
- Collection boxes (including outgoing mail left for pickup)
- Directly from a letter or mail carrier
Importantly, simply possessing stolen mail while knowing it was stolen is also a federal offense. You do not need to be the person who physically took it. Buying or concealing stolen mail carries the same penalties.
Related federal statutes
Several other federal laws work alongside 18 U.S.C. § 1708 to protect mail:
- 18 U.S.C. § 1702 covers obstruction of mail and taking mail from an authorized depository before delivery to the intended recipient.
- 18 U.S.C. § 1705 addresses destruction or damage to letter boxes or mail deposited therein.
- 18 U.S.C. § 1709 pertains to theft of mail by postal service officers or employees.
Mail theft is always a federal offense, even if the stolen item has minimal monetary value. A 1952 amendment to the statute removed any distinction based on the value of stolen mail, making every instance a felony.
Common types of mail theft
Mail theft takes many forms, from opportunistic grabs at residential mailboxes to organized criminal operations targeting entire neighborhoods. Understanding these methods helps you identify vulnerabilities and protect your mail more effectively.
| Type of Mail Theft | Description |
|---|---|
| Residential mailbox theft | Thieves open unlocked curbside or wall-mounted mailboxes to take delivered mail |
| Cluster mailbox break-ins | Criminals use stolen or copied master keys (called "arrow keys") to access multi-unit mailboxes |
| Porch piracy | Packages left on doorsteps or porches are stolen, often within minutes of delivery |
| Outgoing mail theft | Mail left in a mailbox with the flag raised for carrier pickup is taken before the carrier arrives |
| Mail carrier robbery | Postal carriers are confronted and robbed of mail, packages, or master keys |
| Collection box fishing | Thieves use adhesive-coated strings or devices to extract mail from blue USPS collection boxes |
| Change of address fraud | Criminals submit a fraudulent change of address form to redirect a victim's mail |
Mail fishing
One of the more sophisticated methods, "mail fishing" involves inserting a device coated with adhesive (such as a rat trap or sticky substance attached to a string) into USPS blue collection boxes. Thieves pull out envelopes, targeting checks and financial documents. This technique has become increasingly common in urban areas, making it important to drop sensitive mail inside the post office whenever possible.
Organized mail theft rings
Some mail theft operations are highly organized. Criminal rings steal mail in bulk, then sort through it for checks, credit card offers, tax documents, and personally identifiable information. Stolen checks are often "washed," meaning the payee and amount are chemically erased and rewritten for larger sums. These organized operations can affect entire neighborhoods and cause widespread financial damage before victims even realize their mail is missing. In some cases, these operations may rise to the level of racketeering when conducted through an organized enterprise.
Warning signs your mail has been stolen
Mail theft is not always immediately obvious. Many victims do not realize their mail is missing until they notice secondary effects like unauthorized charges or missing expected deliveries. Watch for these key indicators to catch theft early.
| Warning Sign | What It May Indicate |
|---|---|
| Expected mail never arrives | Letters, bills, or packages may have been intercepted |
| Tampered or opened mailbox | Physical evidence of forced entry or tampering |
| Unfamiliar charges on bank or credit card statements | Stolen financial information being used fraudulently |
| Notices about accounts you did not open | Identity theft using stolen personal documents |
| Missing checks that were mailed | Checks may have been stolen and washed |
| Mail from unknown sources about debts or collections | Someone may have used your identity to open accounts |
| USPS Informed Delivery shows mail you never received | Mail was delivered by USPS but taken before you retrieved it |
Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery at informeddelivery.usps.com. This free service sends you daily email notifications with grayscale images of incoming mail-size items. It is one of the most effective ways to detect missing mail before the problem escalates.
How to report mail theft
Report mail theft to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service as quickly as possible. Early reporting increases the chances of recovering stolen mail and apprehending the offender. If you witness a mail theft in progress, call 911 immediately.
| Reporting Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | File a report at uspis.gov/report |
| Phone | Call USPIS at 1-877-876-2455 |
| Active crime in progress | Call 911 |
| Postal employee suspected | Contact the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) |
| Local police | File a report with your local law enforcement as well |
Steps to report mail theft
- Document everything. Note dates of missing mail, expected deliveries, any evidence of tampering, and descriptions of suspicious individuals or vehicles.
- File a report with USPIS. Visit uspis.gov/report and select "Mail Theft" to submit your report online, or call 1-877-876-2455.
- File a local police report. While mail theft is a federal crime, local police reports create an additional record and may aid in the investigation.
- Notify senders. Contact banks, credit card companies, or anyone who sent important mail to inform them the items may have been stolen.
- Monitor your credit. Check your credit reports for unauthorized accounts or inquiries. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze.
USPIS reward program
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service may pay rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of mail theft offenders. If you have information about mail theft or other postal crimes, reporting it could qualify you for a reward.
How to prevent mail theft
Preventing mail theft requires a combination of physical security measures, smart habits, and awareness. Most thefts are crimes of opportunity, so reducing the time mail sits unattended in your mailbox significantly lowers your risk.
| Prevention Method | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Locking mailbox | High; prevents casual theft from residential boxes |
| USPS Informed Delivery | High; alerts you to incoming mail so you know what to expect |
| P.O. Box | Very high; mail stays in a secure postal facility |
| Prompt mail retrieval | High; reduces the window of opportunity for thieves |
| Security cameras | Moderate to high; deters theft and provides evidence |
| Direct deposit and electronic billing | High; eliminates sensitive financial documents from mail |
| USPS Hold Mail service | High; prevents mail accumulation while you are away |
| Mail drop at post office | High; avoids leaving outgoing mail in unsecured locations |
Physical security tips
- Install a locking mailbox. USPS-approved locking mailboxes allow carriers to deliver mail through a slot while keeping contents secure until you unlock them.
- Collect mail promptly. Do not leave mail in your box overnight or for extended periods. If you work during the day, ask a trusted neighbor to collect it for you.
- Add a security camera or doorbell camera. Visible surveillance systems deter potential thieves and provide evidence if a theft occurs.
- Use exterior lighting. Well-lit mailbox areas are less attractive targets for nighttime theft.
Behavioral security tips
- Stop mailing checks when possible. Use electronic payment methods, direct deposit, and online bill pay to keep checks out of the mail stream.
- Drop outgoing mail inside a post office. Avoid leaving outgoing mail, especially checks or sensitive documents, in your curbside mailbox or unmonitored collection boxes.
- Use USPS Hold Mail when traveling. Request that USPS hold your mail for up to 30 days while you are away from home.
- Sign up for Informed Delivery. This free service gives you digital previews of incoming mail so you can track what should be arriving.
- Shred sensitive documents. If you receive pre-approved credit card offers or financial statements, shred them before discarding.
Protecting packages
- Request signature confirmation for valuable deliveries.
- Have packages delivered to your workplace or a secure package locker.
- Use USPS Package Intercept to redirect packages to a post office for pickup.
- Provide specific delivery instructions to reduce visibility of packages from the street.
- Consider a package lockbox on your porch for drivers to place deliveries inside.
Mail theft and identity theft
Mail theft is one of the primary entry points for identity theft. Stolen mail often contains the personal information criminals need to open fraudulent accounts, file false tax returns, or drain existing bank accounts. The connection between these two crimes makes mail security critical for personal financial protection.
| Stolen Item | Identity Theft Risk |
|---|---|
| Bank statements | Account numbers exposed; potential unauthorized access |
| Credit card offers | Criminal opens accounts in your name |
| Tax documents (W-2, 1099) | Fraudulent tax returns filed for refunds |
| Personal checks | Check washing and forgery |
| Medical bills or insurance documents | Medical identity theft |
| Government benefit notices | Benefit theft and redirection |
| New credit or debit cards | Immediate unauthorized purchases via credit or debit card fraud |
What to do if your identity is compromised
If you suspect that stolen mail has led to identity theft, take the following steps immediately to limit the damage and begin the recovery process.
- Place a fraud alert on your credit reports by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). The bureau you contact must notify the other two.
- Consider a credit freeze. A freeze prevents new accounts from being opened in your name and is free to place and lift.
- Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov to create a personalized recovery plan.
- File a report with USPIS specifically noting that mail theft led to identity theft.
- Review your credit reports from all three bureaus for unauthorized accounts or inquiries.
- Notify your bank and credit card companies about the potential compromise so they can monitor for suspicious activity.
Holiday season mail theft risks
Mail theft increases significantly during the holiday season, from November through January. Higher package volumes, gift cards sent by mail, and increased online shopping create more opportunities for thieves. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service issues heightened warnings each year during this period, urging residents to take extra precautions.
| Holiday Risk Factor | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Increased package deliveries | Track packages and retrieve them immediately upon delivery |
| Gift cards and checks in greeting cards | Send gift cards electronically when possible |
| Travel and extended absences | Use USPS Hold Mail or ask a neighbor to collect mail |
| Longer hours of darkness | Ensure mailbox area is well-lit |
| Higher volume of outgoing mail | Drop outgoing mail inside the post office rather than curbside |
Never leave mail or packages sitting outside overnight, especially during the holiday season. Thieves target neighborhoods in the early morning and evening hours when residents are less likely to be home. Retrieve your mail as soon as possible after delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Is mail theft a federal or state crime?
Mail theft is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1708. It is investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted in federal court. Some states also have their own laws addressing mail theft, so offenders may face both federal and state charges.
What is the penalty for stealing mail?
The maximum federal penalty for mail theft is a fine and up to five years in prison. The severity of the sentence depends on factors such as the amount stolen, whether identity theft resulted, and the offender's criminal history.
How do I report stolen mail?
File a report online at uspis.gov/report or call the USPIS at 1-877-876-2455. If you witness a mail theft in progress, call 911 immediately. You should also file a report with your local police department.
What if a postal employee is stealing mail?
Contact the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) to report postal employees suspected of tampering with or stealing mail. Postal employees who steal mail face federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1709 in addition to termination from their position.
How do I know if my mail has been stolen?
Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to receive daily images of mail headed to your address. If scanned items do not arrive, that is a strong indicator of theft. Other signs include unexpected account activity, missing expected bills, and notices about accounts you did not open.
Do locking mailboxes actually work?
Yes. USPS-approved locking mailboxes are one of the most effective deterrents against residential mail theft. Mail carriers can deposit mail through a secure slot, but only you can access the contents with a key. While they do not prevent all types of mail theft, they eliminate the most common method.
What should I do if a package is stolen from my porch?
Report the theft to USPIS (if it was a USPS delivery), the shipping carrier, and your local police. Contact the retailer, as many will reship or refund stolen packages. Going forward, consider requiring signature confirmation or shipping to a secure location like a post office or package locker.
Is it safe to leave outgoing mail in my mailbox?
Leaving outgoing mail in your curbside mailbox with the flag raised signals to thieves that there is mail inside. For sensitive items like checks or documents containing personal information, drop them off inside a post office or hand them directly to your mail carrier.