Richfield Police: Mail Theft, ID Fraud On The Rise

RICHFIELD, MN — It may sound hard to believe but in an average year, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service arrests about 10,000 criminal suspects — many for mail theft or possession of stolen mail.

The agency also investigates roughly 3,000 mail fraud cases annually, resulting in some 1,300 arrests and millions of dollars in restitution.

According to the Richfield Police Department, many cities are experiencing an increase in mail theft and identity fraud.

"Consider the fact that so many may be receiving W2's, stimulus checks, unemployment documents and bank information," the police department said via social media.

The department is encouraging residents to follow the safety tips below to avoid becoming a victim:

1. Go paperless: Opt to receive financial statements and pay bills electronically—it saves paper and postage, and reduces your risk of identity theft. E-file your taxes and have tax returns deposited directly into your bank.

2. Visit the US Postal Service’s website at USPS.com and sign up for their Informed Delivery service: They’ll email you a preview of your incoming mail every day, so you know what to expect.

3. Don’t send cash or gift cards in the mail: Most major retailers offer e-gift card options, so you can email your gift card to a friend instead of mailing it. Use free money transfer services like Apple Pay, Venmo or Google Pay instead of mailing checks or cash to family and friends. (If you don’t know how, ask a teenager!)

4. Don’t let mail sit in the box for long periods of time: If possible, put your outgoing mail in the box just before your carrier arrives, and pick up your incoming mail as soon as you can after delivery. Or send mail from the post office.

5. Taking a trip? Visit USPS.com and have your mail held at the post office while you’re gone: You can either pick it up at the post office or have it all delivered upon your return. Or ask your neighbor/house sitter to collect your mail every day!

The Richfield Police Department encourages residents to report suspicious activity by immediately calling 911.

"Be ready to describe the person and their vehicle to the dispatcher—take pictures, if you can do so safely," the police department said. "Mail theft is a huge nuisance, but these simple steps can prevent serious losses."