Holiday Mail Safety

The holiday season brings an increase in cards, gifts, and packages—and with it, an increase in scams and theft targeting the mail. The U.S. Postal Service® recently shared important reminders to help keep your mail safe this time of year.

Each year, Americans trust USPS with billions of letters and packages, and most arrive at their destination without issue. However, mail thieves continue to look for opportunities—especially during the busy holiday season. USPS postal inspectors investigate these crimes and arrest thousands of mail and package thieves every year, but customers can take extra steps to protect themselves. Picking up mail promptly, avoiding leaving packages unattended, and using official USPS drop boxes or local Post Offices can all help ensure your mail stays secure.

USPS has also reported a rise in counterfeit stamps being sold online. The quality of these fake stamps has improved, making them harder to detect. With the rush of holiday mailing, customers may be tempted by deals that seem to save money—but counterfeit postage can lead to financial loss and even legal consequences. To stay safe, always purchase stamps from USPS or trusted, authorized retailers.