The scale of mail theft in the country is staggering. For example, the USPS claims that there are up to 1.7 million cases of mail theft daily. More than one-third (36%) of all Americans who work with the postal service have ever experienced mail theft. moreover, the figures indicate that the problem may not abate soon.
for example, the national retail federation states that package theft victims may have increased to 43% of users by 2020. reports of package theft filed with the postal inspection service have increased by a staggering 600% in three years.
The economic implications of these thefts are quite significant, since users of the mail service lose 30 billion dollars a year. Unfortunately, the government does not seem able to solve the problem.
For one thing, the pis was only able to make about 2,500 arrests for cases related to mail theft. therefore, you must establish precautions to protect your packages against this crime.
Here, we examine the hassles of mail theft and the protections you can install to ensure maximum security for your mail.
what is mail theft? how dangerous is it? And why should I be aware of it?
Mail theft, also known as mailbox theft, occurs when a person deliberately takes mail that does not belong to them for any purpose. Although it manifests itself in various ways, the most popular forms of mail theft include mailbox ransacking, package theft, and mailbox fishing.
People who often commit these crimes include petty criminals, cyber scammers, and even postal service employees.
Mail thieves’ goals can range from identity theft to other forms of fraud, involving the use of the data of the person whose mail they stole. For example, these postal hackers may use sensitive data to open credit card accounts or apply for loans in your name.
They can also sell your identity to other scammers who can use the information to perpetrate all sorts of illegal acts that can put you in dire straits.
types of personal information thieves can collect.
Sensitive information that mail thieves can collect that can be used to commit fraud includes:
- name and address
- social security number (ssn)
- phone numbers
- email address(es)
- credit card and bank account information
- pre-approved credit card offers
- employment history.
- other physical items you receive.
how to protect your mail from theft
If you briefly take a look at the information mail thieves are often looking for, you’ll agree that it’s very sensitive and can make itself very vulnerable to dishonest people. Unfortunately, government agencies do not consider this a priority, as there is a significant gap between the number of cases and arrests.
Essentially, you must assume the protection of your mail. Steps you can take to protect your mailbox include:
- get your mail fast Another common way thieves get at your mail is to get at it after delivery but before you pick it up. therefore, adequate protection is to get to your mail before the pirate does.
- notify the postal service of address changes if you change location, notify the agency immediately If you do not change postal mail, your mail will remain in the old mailbox for several days. this scenario presents a perfect opportunity for mail scammers to get into your mailbox.
- getting a mailbox being on time to pick up your mail may not be feasible at all times, as you may be out when the mail drops. For example, of the 23 million online shoppers who experienced package theft in 2019, approximately 74% were at work when their packages were stolen by looters. as such, you need a more effective security tool, which comes in the form of mail blocking. mail blocking ensures that not just anyone has access to your mailbox.
- a post office box can be more secure all correspondence or items stored in a post office box will remain securely stored until you come to collect it, meaning that no one else can access it to them. however, you should be aware of the disadvantages of the post office box.
- Embrace technology You can fight mail hacking by employing technology tools like a motion detection camera in your home, which monitors any mailbox tampering.
- Outgoing mail from a usps mailbox will always be a target for thieves. To avoid this, you are leaving your mail in a USPS mailbox instead of a drop box.
Prevent mail theft with highly secure mailboxes
As amazon has become the focal point of package theft, various measures have been taken to prevent victims. In Seattle, it’s pretty standard as crimes of opportunity often occur. it is advisable to follow the following steps:
- emptying your mailbox daily by stealing mail takes time, effort and a little luck. it’s easier to avoid being robbed if you quickly empty your mailbox.
- Install a high-security mailbox that traditional mailboxes do not have a secure door, anyone can open it and receive their mail. some mailboxes have a plastic container that mail slides into, making them easy to break.
- send outgoing mail from a usps mail point mail is a common target for thieves. leave your mail in a usps mailbox instead of a drop box to avoid this.
Why is a highly secure mailbox vital to you?
a robust & Secure mailbox at home is a great way to keep your mail safe and out of the elements. also offers several benefits:
- identity protection: It’s one of the scariest things to think about, but identity theft happens all the time. and can have significant impacts on your finances and legal situation. From destroying your credit score to creating legal problems, the costs of identity theft are often huge.
- Protects your stuff: No matter the gift, no one wants their identity.
- peace of mind: a feeling of being safe or secure.
Think about the consequences of not having a secure mailbox!
Email is an essential tool for communication, but it can also invite criminals to steal your personal information. That’s why you should take steps to protect your mailbox from theft.
There are a variety of ways you can keep your mailbox safe and there are a few simple things you can do to protect yourself from mailbox thieves.
prevent mail theft with a secure virtual mailbox
While all of the above strategies can be effective, they don’t eliminate the chances that thieves will target and misappropriate your mail. In addition, circumstances may arise that expose your mail to unwanted interference.
For example, your mailbox may be full, causing your postman to leave your mail elsewhere. Also, private companies that don’t use the postal service can simply stack the mail outside your door instead of in the mailbox.
However, there is an almost perfect solution in the virtual mail service. Virtual Mail service automatically digitizes your mail, giving you easier access and top-notch security against mail thieves.
When you sign up for a virtual mailbox, you’ll receive a secure virtual mailbox address that only you can access. you can be sure that your mail will not be intercepted or stolen because the virtual mailbox is not located in any physical location.
who offers the best virtual mailbox service?
It is very necessary to choose a virtual mailbox provider that values your security. however, if you want the most value for your money, you need a provider with good customer service and convenience. for example, they should notify you every time you receive a package.
Among the various providers out there, scanned postal mail is an excellent service. postscan mail offers a complete range of services that present you with a healthy mail service. One of those services is maximum security. post-scanned mail ensures that all mail is processed in a secure facility, monitored 24/7 with cameras and security experts present.
unlike its competitors, post scan mail has also achieved soc-2 certification. this means they meet all recommended security requirements and have a receipt & received mail management system.
postscan mail observes the highest security standards, extending to its employees. Everyone who handles the mail through a background check has the proper training and is properly versed in the standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
final thoughts
While there are several possible strategies you can implement to make your mailboxes more secure, the fact is that they will always be susceptible to tampering. however, you can end all of these by making your mailbox virtual.
a virtual mailbox is much better than the traditional mailbox since it offers everything that the physical mailbox does not offer. they are highly secure and provide you with privacy as they use advanced encryption and data protection protocols.
In addition, you get the maximum comfort and ease since you can get the content of your mail from anywhere in the world.
You may also be interested in:
- how to rent a mailbox with one address?
- the ultimate guide to renting a post office box
- everything you need to know about ups mailboxes
- how to find lost packages or missing usps mail