"Rising Postal Service Theft Prompts USPS Service Suspensions and Safety Tips"

The U.S. Postal Service is addressing the increase in robberies of mail carriers and mail theft, which have contributed to a rise in check fraud. While the Postal Service has not officially warned customers about mailing personal checks, experts suggest using caution and considering online payment methods for increased security. Measures being taken include deploying more secure collection boxes and replacing older locks with electronic locks. Some in Congress are pushing for more aggressive action to combat mail theft. Thieves employ various methods, such as glue traps and mailbox fishing, to steal mail and attempt check fraud. The decline in check usage has not deterred criminals, who have increasingly targeted the mail since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Postal Service advises retrieving mail daily, avoiding nighttime collection box use, signing up for Informed Delivery, and reporting suspicious activity to help prevent mail theft.