Focus on Fraud: Tips to Avoid Being a Victim of Mail Fraud

Criminals are always on the lookout to scam their next victim. Their goal is to get hold of your hard-earned money. So how do you avoid scams and theft while keeping your money safe? Here we will focus on the latest – mail theft, which sounds surprising with the rise of technology and online scams.

Here are practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your finances.

1. Avoid Using the Mailbox Flag Indicator

The red flag on your mailbox is a signal to thieves that outgoing mail is ready for pickup. Criminals specifically look for outgoing bills or checks, which they can steal, wash, and alter. To stay safe:

• Keep the flag down.
• Let the postal worker check for outgoing mail without relying on the flag.

2. Hand-Deliver Your Mail to the Post Office

Whenever possible, take outgoing mail directly to your local post office. Hand-delivering your mail ensures it is securely processed and reduces the risk of it being intercepted from drop boxes or mailboxes.

3. Pick Up Your Mail Daily

Leaving mail unattended, especially overnight, increases the risk of theft. Make it a habit to retrieve your mail daily, particularly if it contains:

• Checks or payments
• Bills – use Core Bank’s online BillPay to have your bills in one place and pay them when they come due.
• Personal or business documents

4. Sign Up for USPS Informed Delivery

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a free Informed Delivery service that provides images of incoming mail. You’ll know what to expect in your mailbox, making it easier to detect if something goes missing. Sign up here: USPS Informed Delivery.

Stay alert during the holidays as mail theft often increases during the holiday season when packages, gifts and cards are being sent and received. Use tracking services to monitor packages and mail and retrieve your mail quickly.

5. Place a Hold on Mail While Traveling

If you plan to be away, notify USPS to hold your mail to prevent mail from piling up, which could signal to thieves that your mailbox is an easy target. Your mail will be safely stored at the post office until you return.

6. Update Your Address Promptly

If you’re moving, set up a change of address with USPS immediately. Mail forwarding ensures that your mail is delivered to your new address, reducing the chance of mail being sent to your previous residence where it could be stolen.

7. Be Cautious with USPS Blue Boxes

While USPS blue collection boxes are convenient, they are not 100% secure. Thieves may use fishing devices—strings or wires with sticky substances—to pull mail out of these boxes. To minimize risk:

• Drop off mail as close as possible to the posted pickup time to reduce exposure.
• Avoid leaving mail in boxes overnight or on weekends.

8. Utilize Core Bank’s Business Online Services

When possible, skip the mailbox entirely by using Core Bank’s Business Online Services. This secure, digital solution eliminates the need to send checks or sensitive information via mail, keeping your financial transactions protected. Read more about the various fraud prevention tools for your business.

If You Suspect Mail Theft

If you believe you or your business has been a victim of mail theft, take immediate action:

1. Report to Your Bank – Notify your bank to prevent further fraudulent activity.
2. Report to the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) – This federal agency investigates mail theft and fraud. Reporting helps:
   • Identify other victims in your area
   • Assist law enforcement in tracking patterns of mail theft
   • Allow USPS to inspect nearby mailboxes for tampering
   • You can file a report with USPIS here: Report Mail Theft.

By staying vigilant and following these steps, you can protect your personal information and financial assets from mail theft. Taking proactive measures today ensures your peace of mind and keeps your finances safe. Read more about various types of Fraud and Cybersecurity at Core Bank.