Using Informed Delivery to deter mail fraud

Updated February 23, 2023

Each year, according to the United States Postal Inspection Service, Americans trust the United States Postal Service (USPS) with billions of letters and packages, and the vast majority of those arrive safely at their intended destinations. Unfortunately, there are always thieves who will target the mail, and there are steps YOU can take to ensure your mail arrives safely to you, or to quickly find out if mail is missing so you can take additional action to deter any subsequent fraud.

Informed Delivery, a free tool offered to most US Zip Codes since 2017, sends an email containing images of the mail you should be receiving in your mailbox each day mail is delivered. Upon signing up through their website, USPS follows industry best practices to verify your identity, including the use of a mail-based verification letter.

For more information about this service and to sign up: https://www.usps.com/manage/informed-delivery.htm

If you discover that your mail has been stolen, report it immediately to USPS online at Email Us | Daily Mail Delivery Inquiry (usps.com)

If you discover your mailbox has been vandalized, call the police department to report it, then call your local USPS Office to inform them. Locate your nearest post office at www.usps.com

Remember, the best way to lessen your chances of having your mail stolen is to check and remove all your mail from your mailbox every day.

For more tips to help protect yourself and others against mail and package theft, visit

https://www.uspis.gov/tips-prevention/mail-theft

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