What is mail theft, and how to protect your personal information

Mail theft is a federal felony involving the theft or interception of someone else’s mail, and it can provide identity thieves with valuable personal information. Beyond stealing cash or checks, criminals may use information found in your mail to open accounts, commit fraud, or carry out other forms of identity theft.

Mail theft is an increasingly popular crime, with Forbes reporting a 139% increase in mail stolen directly from receptacles between 2019 and 2023. You might not realize any of your mail — and the personal data it contains — has been stolen until an expected package, check, or important bill fails to arrive. By then, your sensitive information may already be in the wrong hands.

Keep reading to learn how mail theft happens, how to protect your personal information, and how LifeLock can support identity recovery if you’re affected.

What information can thieves get from my mail?

Your mail often contains important details about you and your financial accounts. Criminals look for specific document types that contain enough personally identifiable information to do things like open fraudulent accounts, file false tax returns, or drain your finances.

Here are the most common items criminals may target in your mail:

• Bank and credit card statements
• Pre-approved credit card offers
• Tax returns
• Checks
• Bills
• Personal records (i.e., medical paperwork)

Ways mail theft can happen

Mail theft can range from quickly grabbing letters from an unsecured mailbox to fraudulently redirecting someone’s mail through USPS. Because stolen mail often contains sensitive personal details, it can quickly lead to identity theft. And unlike digital threats such as phishing or data breaches, many forms of mail theft require little to no technical skill.

Here's a closer look at the most common methods criminals use to steal mail:

• Mail stolen from a mailbox: This is the most straightforward method. A thief walks up to an unsecured residential or apartment cluster mailbox and takes what’s inside.
• False change-of-address request: Criminals file a fraudulent form with USPS to redirect your mail to an address they control, which can sometimes go undetected for weeks.
• Rummage through trash: Thieves access discarded, undestroyed bank statements, pre-approved credit offers, and other documents containing personal information by dumpster diving.
• Package theft: Commonly known as porch piracy, thieves steal parcels left on doorsteps. If the package was delivered by USPS, the theft can be prosecuted as a federal offense.
• Intercept outgoing mail: Thieves may steal mail containing checks, bill payments, and financial information left in residential mailboxes for pickup or “fish” envelopes from USPS collection boxes using adhesive-coated devices, leading to crimes such as check fraud.

New trends in mail theft

Mail theft has advanced far beyond simple crimes of opportunity. Today’s tactics are increasingly systematic, employing specialized tools and digital technology to intercept information with greater precision and scale.

As these methods become more sophisticated, staying informed on the latest industry trends can help you spot the subtle warning signs of tampering before your personal data is compromised.

Here are some of the most significant emerging trends in mail theft:

Check fraud

Technological advancements in chemical solutions and desktop printing mean stolen checks can be altered through techniques such as check washing and check cooking Check washing involves using chemicals such as acetone or bleach to remove handwritten details before changing the payee or amount.

With check cooking, criminals digitally alter images of stolen checks to create convincing counterfeits, sometimes using smaller amounts to make fraudulent transactions less noticeable.

Mail carrier robbery

Organized criminals may target mail carriers to steal arrow keys, which can provide access to multiple USPS collection boxes and cluster mailboxes. A single stolen key can potentially expose mail belonging to hundreds of people, helping explain why robberies involving arrow keys have become a significant and growing threat to postal workers.

Mail tampering

Law enforcement and USPS inspectors are increasingly called to inspect mailboxes for signs of tampering that are difficult to spot. Warning signs include fishing devices inserted into collection box slots, damaged or altered locks, and envelopes that appear to have been opened and resealed. Because these methods can leave few obvious clues, mail tampering may go unnoticed for weeks.

How thieves can use your information to commit identity theft

Once a thief has gathered stolen personal information, the damage can extend far beyond a single fraudulent charge. A bank statement, tax document, or other piece of mail may reveal your name, address, account details, and other information that can help criminals impersonate you. They may use those details themselves or sell them to other fraudsters, including on the dark web.

Understanding how thieves use your information can help you recognize the warning signs of identity theft earlier. Mail theft victims are particularly vulnerable because a single document may contain several identifying details that criminals can combine to commit fraud, including:

• Employment-related fraud: Using your identity to obtain employment or submit fraudulent employment records.
• Loan fraud/payday loan fraud: Taking out fraudulent loans or pay advances in your name.
• Bank fraud: Accessing or draining your existing accounts, or opening new ones using your stolen personal and financial information.
• Benefits fraud: Using your identity to fraudulently claim government benefits such as Social Security, unemployment, or Medicaid.
• Tax refund fraud: Filing a fraudulent tax return using your Social Security number to claim your refund before you do.

Signs that your mail is being intercepted

Paying attention to changes in your usual mail patterns can help you spot mail theft early, especially if it happens repeatedly. Missing bills, packages that never arrive, unexpectedly empty mailboxes, or mail that appears to have been opened can all indicate that someone is stealing your mail.

Here are the most common signs that your mail may have been stolen:

• Missing or delayed mail: Letters, checks, or packages you were expecting fail to arrive without explanation.
• Bills or statements you never received: A recurring bill or financial statement suddenly stops arriving on its usual schedule.
• Unexpected credit card notices: You receive bills, payment notices, or other correspondence for credit accounts you don’t recognize.
• Alerts about accounts you didn’t open: A bank, lender, or other financial institution contacts you about an unfamiliar account or application.
• Continual misdelivered mail: Occasional delivery mistakes happen, but persistent problems or mail addressed to unfamiliar people at your address may warrant investigation. In some cases, misdelivered mail can be a sign of a scam.
• USPS change-of-address notifications you didn’t request: An unexpected confirmation could indicate that someone has fraudulently attempted to redirect your mail. Contact USPS promptly to investigate and correct the change.
• Unfamiliar charges on financial statements: Transactions you don’t recognize may indicate that someone has obtained and misused your financial information, potentially through stolen mail.

How to report stolen mail and reduce identity theft damage

If you suspect mail theft, act quickly to report it and protect your identity. Start by documenting what happened, including when mail went missing, which items were affected, and any signs of mailbox tampering. Note suspicious activity, such as unfamiliar vehicles or people, and keep copies or photos of damaged mail.

Then, take the steps below to notify the appropriate authorities, secure your credit, and protect affected financial accounts:

1. Report it to the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS): The USPIS is the primary federal agency responsible for investigating mail theft and can flag suspicious activity in your area. File a report online at uspis.gov or call 1-877-876-2455.
2. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze: Contact the three credit bureaus (Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion®) to place a credit freeze, which prevents new credit from being opened in your name altogether, or a fraud alert, which requires creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts.
3. Contact affected banks or companies immediately: Notify your bank, credit card issuers, and any other financial institutions where you have accounts so they can monitor for suspicious activity, flag unauthorized transactions, and issue new account numbers or cards if necessary.
4. File a report at IdentityTheft.gov: The FTC's IdentityTheft.gov walks you through a personalized recovery plan and helps you dispute fraudulent accounts if you believe your personal information has been compromised.

How to protect your mail from theft

The USPS recommends several precautions that can make your mail less vulnerable to theft. These steps can help you secure incoming and outgoing mail, reduce the amount of sensitive information criminals can access, and protect yourself against identity theft if your information is compromised.

• Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery: This free service emails you grayscale photos of eligible incoming letter-sized mail, helping you realize when an item fails to arrive.
• Use a locking mailbox or P.O. box: A USPS-approved locking mailbox makes your mail a more difficult target. For additional security, consider a P.O. box, particularly if you’ve experienced mail theft before.
• Pick up mail promptly: Avoid leaving delivered mail sitting in your mailbox overnight or for extended periods.
• Handle outgoing mail carefully: USPIS recommends never dropping mail into a blue USPS collection box after the last pickup of the day, since it’ll sit unattended overnight. When mailing a check, the safest option is to hand it directly to a clerk inside the post office.
• Opt for paperless billing: Switching to electronic statements reduces the volume of sensitive information arriving in your mailbox and limits your exposure to mail theft.
• Keep the USPS notified: If you’re going away, request a USPS mail hold. If you’re moving, submit an official change-of-address request through usps.com or at a post office.
• Shred sensitive documents: Destroy bank statements, pre-approved credit offers, tax documents, and other paperwork containing personal or financial information before disposing of them.
• Watch for suspicious activity:  If you notice someone tampering with or behaving suspiciously around mailboxes, report it to local law enforcement or the USPIS. Neighborhood platforms such as Nextdoor can also help residents share information about local incidents.
• Monitor your credit reports: Regularly check your credit reports for unfamiliar accounts or activity. A credit monitoring service such as LifeLock can also alert you to certain changes that may indicate identity fraud, helping you respond sooner.

Don’t let mail theft become identity theft

Protecting your mailbox is a smart first step, but stolen mail can quickly lead to something much bigger. LifeLock helps you stay ahead with three-bureau credit monitoring, alerts for new accounts opened in your name, payday loans, suspicious charges, and other signs of fraud.

It also includes USPS Address Change Alerts, so you can be warned if someone tries to reroute your mail. And if the worst happens, a dedicated U.S.-based Restoration Specialist will work your case from start to finish.

FAQs

Is stealing mail a federal crime?

Yes. Mail theft is a federal felony under 18 U.S.C. § 1708. A conviction can carry up to five years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. The potential penalties underscore the seriousness of taking steps to secure your mail and the sensitive information it contains.

Why do people steal mail?

Criminals usually steal mail for money and personal information. Cash, checks, and gift cards can provide an immediate payoff, while bank statements, tax documents, credit offers, and other correspondence may contain information that can be used for identity theft and financial fraud.

How do I know if my mail was stolen or just lost?

One missing or delayed item may simply be a delivery issue. Mail theft is more likely if you notice a pattern, such as several missing items, recurring bills that suddenly stop arriving, signs of mailbox tampering, or unfamiliar account notices. If you suspect theft, check your delivery status and report missing mail to USPS.

What do I do if I receive mail for someone else with my address?

Don’t open mail addressed to someone else. If the person doesn’t live at your address, mark the envelope “Not at this address” and return it to your mail carrier or USPS. Do not throw it away or open it — discarding or opening someone else’s mail is a federal offense.