Protecting Your Checks: Heightened Concerns Over Mail Theft Targeting the U.S. Postal Service
The increase in crimes targeting the U.S. Postal Service has raised concerns among experts, urging Americans to reconsider sending their checks through the mail. According to the USPS, there has been a surge in attacks on letter carriers and incidents of mail fraud. In the first half of fiscal year 2023, 305 mail carriers were robbed, on track to surpass the previous year's total of 412 robberies. Additionally, criminals are targeting mailboxes, stealing letters directly from homes or from the blue USPS collection boxes.
These escalating crimes targeting postal carriers and mailboxes pose a significant risk of check theft, as evidenced by incidents across the nation. For example, a recent criminal ring was busted in Milwaukee following a string of thefts from blue collection boxes. Allegedly, the suspects used stolen "arrow keys," universal USPS keys that unlock mail collection boxes, to pilfer mail. Shockingly, over 900 stolen checks were recovered, according to a criminal complaint.
In response to these theft issues, the USPS advises Americans to avoid depositing mail in blue collection boxes or leaving it in their own mailboxes for pickup. Instead, the agency now recommends that patrons visit their local post office to securely send mail.
Experts support this advisory, emphasizing the importance of mailing checks exclusively at the post office for enhanced security. "If you are choosing to mail a check, it is always recommended that you use a secure mail drop such as inside a post office versus an unsecured public-facing mailbox," advises the USPS.
Mail theft is on the rise as part of a broader national trend of increased crime patterns, according to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. In 2021, the service reported approximately 300,000 complaints about mail theft, more than double the previous year's total. Criminals are targeting mail carriers and stealing deliveries, while others are utilizing arrow keys to access postal boxes and pilfer letters, checks, and valuable items. Concerns about the security of collection boxes have been raised, as a 2020 report from the postal service's Office of Inspector General revealed a lack of knowledge regarding the number of arrow keys in circulation or those that had been stolen.
To mitigate the risk of mail theft, USPS recommends that individuals promptly retrieve both incoming and outgoing mail from their mailboxes. The agency advises posting mail inside the local post office or workplace or handing it directly to a mail carrier. However, the USPS has not provided specific guidance on mailing checks.
It is crucial to be aware of the potential consequences if a check is stolen. Thieves employ a technique called "check washing" to erase the original writing on a check, including the recipient's name and the amount. They then fill in new information, such as an altered amount, to scam individuals out of their money. Instances have been reported where checks intended for small amounts were fraudulently altered and cashed for significantly larger sums.
Although check usage is declining, with Americans writing 3.4 billion checks in 2022 compared to 19 billion checks in 1990, it still provides ample opportunities for criminals to engage in fraudulent activities. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution and adopt secure practices when handling and mailing checks.
