Each year, Americans trust the U.S. Postal Service with billions of letters and packages, and the vast majority of those arrive safely at their intended destinations. But there are always thieves who will target the mail. Postal inspectors investigate these crimes and arrest thousands of mail and package thieves each year. Still, there are extra steps you can take to ensure your mail arrives safely at its destination.

Promptly pickup mail - Try not to leave letters and packages in your mailbox or at your door for any length of time.

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.

Don't send cash - Be careful about what you send. Don’t risk sending cash in the mail.

Arrange for prompt pickup - If you cannot be home to receive a package, make another arrangement or use the USPS Hold Mail Service.

Use Hold for Pickup - When shipping packages, use the Hold for PickUp option, and the recipients can collect the package at their local Post Office.

Request signature confirmation - When mailing something important, consider requesting Signature Confirmation for the intended recipient.

File a change of address - If you move, make sure you file a change of address with the Postal Service and let your financial institutions know as well.

If you become the victim of mail theft call 9-1-1 to report the theft to your local law enforcement agency. You can also report the theft directly to the U.S. Postal Service using their website: https://www.uspis.gov/report or via phone at 1-877-876-2455.