Attorney General Letitia James’ office warns that mail theft is more insidious than people expect and announced some tips to help people protect themselves.
After all, James says, mail fraud seems like a minor issue, but it can lead to major ones including deed theft.
“Stealing mail is a violation of privacy, it is a federal crime, and it causes real problems,” James said. “When bad actors steal people’s mail, they have access to personal and financial information that can lead to identity theft, destroyed credit ratings, and serious harm to completely innocent New Yorkers. I urge everyone to remain vigilant, and to protect themselves, their information, and their mail by following our important tips.”
Tips to prevent mail from from James:
- Collect your mail promptly after it is delivered. Do not leave it in your mailbox.
- If you are expecting a check or something valuable and it does not arrive when expected, contact the issuing agency immediately.
- When you change your address, immediately notify the post office and anyone you do business with via the mail.
- Inform your local post office when you will be out of town so they can hold your mail while you are away.
- Sign up for USPS’ Informed Delivery service, which emails people with notifications for incoming mail and packages.
- Call postal inspectors immediately at 877-876-2455 if you suspect your mail has been stolen.
- If you see glue, tape, or any other sticky substances on a mailbox, report it to your post office, Postal Inspectors, or the New York Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 212-330-2400.
James’ office issued these tips following a rise in mail theft, especially of checks and credit cards across Brooklyn and New York City. James said that there has even been reports of mailboxes being stolen.
James warned that stolen mail could potentially lead to deed theft of a person’s home using their personal information. Last December, James’ Office broke up a deed theft ring that stole three homes in Queens worth more than $1 million each.
