📬 Mail Fraud: What It Is and How You Can Protect Yourself and Your Business
Even though we live in a mostly paperless world, sensitive information continues to be sent through the mail—credit cards, checks, tax documents, and medical bills, to name a few. Unfortunately, criminals know this, too.
📈 Mail Theft Is on the Rise
Since 2019, mail theft cases have surged by an alarming 400%. Criminals aren’t just swiping letters from mailboxes—they’re targeting postal workers for their universal “arrow keys,” which can unlock large groups of mailboxes, allowing for widespread theft.
What Is Mail Fraud?
Mail fraud happens when scammers use the postal system to deceive individuals or businesses, often with financial gain in mind. Common scams include:
- Fake sweepstakes or charity solicitations
- Fraudulent investment opportunities
- Offers that require you to send personal details or money
Once your information is in the wrong hands, it can be used to steal your identity, drain your bank account, or open accounts in your name.
Why Mail Fraud Is So Dangerous
Mail fraud can have long-lasting effects:
- Financial loss – Victims may struggle to pay bills or recover lost funds.
- Identity theft – Personal information like Social Security numbers or bank account details can be exploited to commit further crimes.
- Credit damage – Fraudulent activity can negatively impact your credit score, making recovery even more difficult.
We’re Here to Help
Most financial institutions—including Unison—have dedicated fraud teams that proactively monitor suspicious activity to prevent fraud losses, as well as offering provisional credit during investigations.
However, we can’t do it all alone. It's just as important for you to take proactive steps to protect your money and reduce your risk.
✅ How to Protect Yourself and Your Business
Here are some proactive steps you can take:
1. Avoid mailing checks when possible and you should never mail cash.
2. Deposit mail inside the post office, not in outdoor boxes.
3. Shred sensitive documents before disposing of them.
4. Monitor your accounts regularly for unauthorized transactions.
5. Enroll in fraud alerts and eStatements through your bank or credit union.
1. Avoid mailing checks when possible and you should never mail cash.
2. Deposit mail inside the post office, not in outdoor boxes.
3. Shred sensitive documents before disposing of them.
4. Monitor your accounts regularly for unauthorized transactions.
5. Enroll in fraud alerts and eStatements through your bank or credit union.
A Stronger Defense Starts with You
Fraud isn’t going away—but your vulnerability to it can be significantly reduced by staying vigilant, adopting digital tools, and knowing where to turn if something goes wrong.
Need help or have questions about how to better protect your money or business accounts? Contact us—we’re here to help you stay one step ahead.
Need help or have questions about how to better protect your money or business accounts? Contact us—we’re here to help you stay one step ahead.
1. TCR Staff, “Mail Theft On the Rise Nationwide,” The Crime Report, November 1, 2022, https://thecrimereport.org/2022/11/01/mail-theft-on-the-rise-nationwide.
