What To Do if Your Mail Is Stolen: Reporting to USPIS, Police, and Legal Action

Every day, the U.S. Postal Service delivers millions of checks, money orders, credit cards, and other valuable items to addresses all across the United States. Unfortunately, these same items make tempting targets for thieves. If your mail goes missing, acting fast can protect your finances and your identity.

If you have been a victim of mail theft or need to know how to prevent it or report it to the right agencies, read on. To get legal assistance with mail theft that has caused ongoing losses, contact a local consumer law attorney. They can explain your legal options and the next steps available to you.

What Is Mail Theft?

Mail theft occurs when someone takes or possesses mail without the permission of the sender or the intended recipient. It can occur anytime from the time the sender mails the item until the intended recipient receives the item.

Stolen mail isn’t simply an inconvenience; it could expose bank details, account numbers, and personal information, leading to fraud or identity theft.

Protect Your Consumer Rights

If a business has scammed you, find a top consumer law attorney in the Super Lawyers directory to stand up for you and your legal rights.

Find a lawyer today

What To Do Immediately If Your Mail Is Stolen

If you know or suspect mail theft, there are several steps to take immediately:

1. Notify your local police department to report a crime. Mail theft is a serious crime that is underreported to law enforcement and consumer law agencies. Filing a police report creates an official record and may help with insurance or fraud claims.
2. Contact the sender of any missing check, card, or sensitive document right away.
3. Monitor your bank account and credit card accounts for charges you don’t recognize.
4. Check that no one tried to file a change of address in your name without permission.

How To Report Mail Theft

Start by filing a report with your local police department. This creates a record and may help with insurance fraud claims.

File a report with the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) if you believe your mail is being stolen or tampered with, and contact the USPS Office of Inspector General if you suspect a USPS employee or contractor is involved.

A report can be filed online with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service website or by calling 1-877-876-2455.

To report a missing item, use the right form:

• Letter mail or a package without a tracking number. Visit the “Where is my mail?” website and complete the form.
• A package with a tracking number. Visit the “Where is my package?” website and complete the form.

Reporting Stolen Checks

The United States Postal Service provides specific guidance on what steps to take if stolen mail involved a check or a Treasury check.

Reporting Postal Employee Theft

If you suspect USPS employees are involved in the theft of or tampering with U.S. mail, you should contact the USPS Office of Inspector General. You should notify the Office of Inspector General only if you believe a USPS employee or contractor is tampering with or stealing your mail.

Reporting Mail Fraud

Mail fraud is different from outright theft, but it’s just as harmful. To report suspected fraud and scams related to the U.S. mail, contact the USPIS and file a complaint. They handle complaints related to:

• Sweepstakes scams
• Lottery scams
• Online auctions
• Chain letters
• Investments
• Romance scams

In general, if you notice missing deliveries, tampered envelopes, or other suspicious mail, report the issue to local law enforcement and postal inspectors as soon as possible.

Protecting Yourself from Mail Theft

The best way to protect yourself from mail theft is to prevent it. Here are several tips that could help protect you from having your mail stolen:

• Never send cash in the mail. Instead, use checks or money orders
• Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery
• If you will not be home for several days, have your local post office hold for pickup any mail you receive during that time
• If you don’t receive the valuable mail you are expecting, such as a check or a credit card, contact the issuing entity immediately
• Always deposit your mail in a mail slot at your local post office, official mail receptacle, or hand it to your letter carrier
• If you are sending something valuable through the mail, use signature confirmation (this can also help deter package theft)

When To Get Legal Help

If someone has stolen your mail, acting quickly can make a huge difference in protecting your finances and personal information. Reporting theft, contacting the appropriate agencies, and monitoring your accounts are important first steps.

If the mail theft led to monetary losses, identity theft, or ongoing legal disputes, consult an experienced consumer law attorney may help you understand your legal options and the next steps available to you.