It’s no secret that the weeks leading up to Christmas are the busiest time of year for mail carriers…and porch pirates. Online shopping is at an all-time high following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, while long-distance relatives are spending a pretty penny to ensure their holiday cards and gifts beat Santa’s arrival. Try as you may, some of these parcels might get into the wrong hands if left unattended. Thus, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is reminding customers how to avoid package theft this holiday season, particularly when it comes to mailing cash.
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“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service makes thousands of arrests for mail theft each year. Mail and packages can be stolen at any time, but thieves especially target gift packages delivered during the holiday season,” the USPS said in a new safety notice titled “Don’t Get Snowed by Holiday Scams.”
Nearly 9,000 mail theft suspects were arrested by postal inspectors from 2018 to 2023, reports the USPS. According to a new survey conducted by the home security platform Security.org, 87 percent of online shoppers are worried that their packages will be stolen around the holidays specifically, with 28 percent sharing that they are “very” or “extremely” concerned.
To protect yourself and loved ones against mail and package theft, the USPS recommends taking advantage of its Signature Confirmation service, which requires recipients to be present for in-person delivery. The add-on isn’t too expensive: $3.70 if paid online or $4.55 at your local post office. You’ll also be notified of the date and time the item was delivered or if delivery was unsuccessful.
However, if you plan on slipping a Benjamin Franklin into a holiday card this year, you might want to consider using Venmo or Zelle instead. The USPS is asking people to refrain from mailing cash as mail theft of both letters and packages is expected to increase in the days leading up to Christmas.
“Don’t send cash,” warns the USPS. “Be careful about what you send. Don’t risk sending cash in the mail.”
This goes beyond cash gifts. If you pay rent, utility bills, quarterly tax payments, or other services with cash by mail, find other ways to complete your payment, whether it’s online, by wire transfer, or through a mobile payment app like Venmo or PayPal.
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As for porch piracy protection, the USPS also suggests using the USPS Hold Mail Service or Hold for PickUp option, which sends packages to the recipient’s neighborhood post office versus their home. That way, the item isn’t left unattended for a potentially long stretch of time, and they can pick it up at your convenience
Additionally, don’t wait to inquire about overdue mail.
“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 it,” says the USPS.
