Is it Illegal for Someone to Get in Your Mailbox?

The importance of mailbox security has led to federal laws protecting it.

The federal government enacted specific laws governing the manner in which a U.S. Postal Service mailbox is used. Chief among these laws are those pertaining to who can access a mailbox.

Types

There are three types of laws pertaining to mailbox access. An unauthorized person can not access a mailbox. An unauthorized individual must not remove mail. A mailbox can be used only to send and receive official U.S. mail.

Function

The primary function if these laws is to protect the integrity of the U.S. Postal Service, to ensure that mail is secure through all points of delivery.

Prevention/Solution

Affirmative steps are required to best protect the security of a mailbox. These include ensuring that a box is locked and as inaccessible to those without authorization as possible.

Significance

In the United States, unauthorized (and illegal) access to a mailbox is a common technique used in the furtherance of the crime of identity theft.

Warning

A person who believes her mailbox is jeopardized should contact local law enforcement immediately. Contacting the U.S. Postal Service, through the local Post Office, also is a wise course of action.

References

• U.S. Postal Inspection Services, Mail Theft
• U.S. Legal, Mail Theft Law

Resources

• United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General