Important Tips to Protect Yourself from Mail Theft and Check Fraud

Be vigilant about checking your mailbox daily and picking up packages promptly to avoid theft. If you're expecting a package and won't be home, consider having it delivered to your workplace or a trusted neighbor.

Always keep an eye on the status of your deliveries. Most delivery services offer an online tracking feature that allows you to monitor your packages and know when they will be delivered. 

If you do not receive a check, credit card, or other valuable mail you're expecting, contact the sender as soon as possible and inquire about its status.

If you are planning to be away from home for an extended period, consider having your mail held at the post office. This way, your mail will not pile up in your mailbox, indicating that you are not home.

Instead of writing and mailing checks to pay for bills and expenses, consider using online bill payment. Most forms of online payment are safe, easy, and convenient, and it helps reduce the risk of check fraud.

Instead of using outdoor mail drop boxes, take your mail inside of the post office to send. Fraudsters are stealing mail out of those outside US mail boxes and changing payee names on checks. 

When mailing something important, consider requesting Signature Confirmation™ for the intended recipient to ensure that your sent mail ends up in the right hands.

If you move, make sure you file a change of address with the Postal Service and let your financial institutions know.