3 Signs of Mail Tampering

Whether it’s the result of nosy neighbors, possible stalkers, or curious mail sorters and carriers, mail tampering is a federal offense. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the signs of mail tampering and take appropriate legal action when necessary.

Generally speaking, any opening, destroying, damaging, or interfering with mail can be classified as mail tampering. Depending on how your building handles mail deliveries, getting mail sent to your apartment may increase your risk of having your mail tampered with. If you suspect someone’s been messing around with your mail, be on the lookout for these 3 common signs of mail tampering:

Torn or Opened Envelopes

The most obvious sign of mail tampering is a torn or opened envelope. Everyone gets one from time to time, as the electronic mail sorting process does lend some letters (especially heavier envelopes) to being torn occasionally. However, you should be concerned if:

It’s a Regular Occurrence

Unless you get more than the average share of heavy envelopes, you should not see torn or opened envelopes more than a couple times a month at the maximum.

You Don’t Get a Notice from the USPS

If an electronic sorting machine really ripped your letter, you should receive it in a plastic bag from the USPS explaining that the incident happened during processing.

The Opened Letter Contained Money or Confidential Information

There have been several reports of mail tamperers opening holiday or birthday cards in the hopes of getting cash or gift cards. If you’re expecting cash or gift cards and something’s missing, it’s likely been stolen. That’s why you should always advise friends and family to send checks or money orders when possible.

Likewise, if your torn or opened mail contained a new credit card, a PIN number, or other confidential financial information, call your bank and ask if you can change the number to protect your finances.

Evidence of Resealing

Another worrisome sign of mail tampering is when you receive sealed envelopes that appear to have been resealed. You can’t blame this mistake on a mail sorting error, since the USPS doesn’t reseal envelopes they accidentally tear. If you notice that a fringe around the seal of the envelope looks like it was once torn off or the glue on the envelope seems a bit excessive, see if you can contact whoever sent the mail to determine if they resealed it before it was sent.

If the sender didn’t reseal the mail prior to mailing it off, you may be a victim of mail tampering.

Wrinkled Mail on a Sunny Day

Things can happen when mail gets shipped off, especially if the mail has to cross borders or bodies of water. Packages can get damaged. But if you ordered something from your local Amazon warehouse and it’s extremely wrinkled or damaged, it may be cause for concern.

It’s not exactly hard evidence, but you can still suspect mail tampering if you tend to get a lot of mail that’s wrinkled even when there’s no precipitation outside. Some people may hold envelopes up over a pot of steaming hot water to loosen the seal on the envelope without tearing it. Once they’ve looked at the mail, they simply reseal it. It can be difficult to prove that this indeed a case of mail tampering, but if it happens regularly enough, it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on.

Who Do You Contact for Mail Tampering?

If spot any signs of mail tampering, you should report the crime to your landlord, the local postmaster general, or the police, depending on who you think is doing the tampering.

A landlord may be able to send out a notice to discourage neighbors from rummaging through other people’s mail, and they can sometimes use security camera surveillance to help you catch the culprit. If your landlord is unable to assist, the local postmaster general may be able to investigate whether or not your mail sorters or mail carriers are responsible. If neither of these options work, you should report the incident to the police. Make sure you keep evidence of the crime by logging any and all incidents, and note that you’ve actively reached out to your landlord and/or the postmaster general before contacting them.

It’s very important to remember that if you ever feel like you’re in imminent danger, you should contact the police first. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially if you feel threatened or if you believe that other people may be in danger due to mail tampering. Identity theft is a serious threat, and mail tampering is one of the easiest ways to steal someone’s identity.

When You’re Traveling

If you’re going to be away for an extended period and your neighbors can’t pick up your mail for you, consider these options to ensure your mail stays secure:

1. Put a Hold on Your Mail: The USPS offers a service where they will hold your mail for up to 30 days. This way, you don’t have to worry about anyone accessing your letters and packages while you’re gone. You can schedule a mail hold online or at your local post office.
2. Use a Locked Mailbox: If you have a secure, locked mailbox, make sure it’s in good condition before you leave. This will prevent anyone from tampering with your mail while you’re away.
3. Consider Package Delivery Options: For packages, use delivery services like USPS Package Intercept or UPS My Choice, where you can redirect, reschedule, or hold packages for pickup until you return.
4. Notify the Post Office: If you suspect that mail tampering could be a concern while you’re away, notify your local post office so they can be extra vigilant about the delivery process.

By taking these steps, you can ensure your mail stays safe and secure even when you’re traveling.

Protecting Your Personal Information from Fraud

In today’s digital world, personal information is a valuable target for identity thieves. Protecting sensitive data is crucial to avoid the risk of fraud, especially when dealing with physical mail that might be vulnerable to tampering. This guide emphasizes the importance of safeguarding sensitive data, which is crucial in preventing identity theft and fraud.

For more detailed advice on safeguarding your personal information, the FTC offers helpful resources on protecting your data and reporting fraud, which can be critical in preventing issues related to mail tampering and identity theft.