DENVER (KDVR) — Nearly two million packages are stolen every day in the U.S., and now that the early part of tax season is here, that number could rise.
Apartment complexes with unsecured or broken mailbox walls are common targets for thieves.
A group of residents at one location, which is not being disclosed for security reasons, told the FOX31 Problem Solvers that their mailboxes have remained in disrepair, with loose wall panels and missing doors, for nearly three years.
“I can even just grab this door and grab somebody else’s mail,” said one resident.
Without a security gate on the property, those living at the complex are worried about criminals accessing their personal information.
Postal inspectors warn that crooks are seeking social security numbers, credit card information and policy numbers for use in identity theft schemes, as well as checks and cash.
Residents at the complex told FOX31 that while some mail is being kept at the local post office until repairs can be made, many are taking steps to protect themselves.
“I pay for a P.O. box to make sure those documents are secured at an extra expense,” said one resident.
The U.S. Postal Service offers these tips for protecting your mail:
- Retrieve mail and parcels as soon as they are delivered
- Inquire about overdue mail immediately
- Never send cash
- Use mail hold services while traveling
- Request a signature confirmation for important mail
Penalties for mail theft can be up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Using that mail to commit bank fraud can carry up to 30 years in prison.
The Problem Solvers reached out to the apartment complex about how soon mailbox repairs will be completed.
