Mail theft is on the rise. Here's how to keep yours safe.

Molly McVety, Delaware News Journal
Updated ·3 min read
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If you are someone who still sends checks through the mail, you might want to think twice.

Overall mail theft is on the rise nationwide, and since the pandemic, thieves have been targeting physical checks attempting to be delivered by the United States Postal Service.

New measures have been put into place to protect mail carriers and customers.

According to the USPS, reports of mail theft and robberies have been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic. In the 2022 fiscal year, 412 USPS letter carriers were robbed on the job, and the first half of 2023 has already reached 305 robberies.

There also has been an increase in "high volume" mail theft incidents from mail receptacles nationwide. Last year there were around 38,500 thefts, and this year around 25,000 incidents have been reported.

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The USPS has set forth new practices to prevent these trends from becoming any more widespread, including:

  • Installing 12,000 new high-security collection boxes in high-risk areas.

  • Replacing antiquated locks of letter carriers with 49,000 new electronic locks in select cities.

  • Strengthening the authentication of the "change of address" process.

  • Fully exercising authority to seize and dispose of packages with counterfeit postage.

  • Collaborating with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

According to the USPS, reports of mail theft have been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic, leading the agency to caution people about mailing checks.
According to the USPS, reports of mail theft have been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic, leading the agency to caution people about mailing checks.

Since COVID-19 hit the U.S., thieves have been targeting physical checks attempting to be delivered by post office; this includes personal checks, business checks and checks related to government assistance programs, such as Social Security payments or unemployment benefits.

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People who commit these crimes typically steal a mail carrier's keys, use glue traps or other methods of "mailbox fishing," and use chemicals to wipe off fingerprints and handwritten ink in order to reroute the check.

According to USA Today, complaints of check fraud reached around 300,000 in 2021 and jumped to 680,000 last year.

Mail carrier Edward Medley of Groveport, Ohio, loads his delivery truck with mail and packages for his Obetz route behind the South Columbus, Ohio branch of the United States Postal Service on March 10, 2021.
Mail carrier Edward Medley of Groveport, Ohio, loads his delivery truck with mail and packages for his Obetz route behind the South Columbus, Ohio branch of the United States Postal Service on March 10, 2021.

Here are some simple actions you can take at home to better your mail security:

  • Check your mailbox every day; don't let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.

  • Opt for online or credit card payments when possible.

  • If you're mailing a check or secure letter, take it to the post office or hand it directly to a letter carrier.

  • Sign up for informed delivery to preview when your mail is scheduled to arrive.

  • Get involved with neighbors or social media groups to remain vigilant.

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If a piece of your mail is stolen, you can report a complaint to the Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov/report or call 877-876-2455.

If you suspect Postal Service employee misconduct or an attempt of corrupting an employee, report the incident at uspsoig.gov/hotline or call 888-877-7644.

Contact Molly McVety at mmcvety@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @mollymcvety.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Reports of mail theft and check fraud are on the rise. What you can do