Is Stealing Mail a Federal Offense?
The theft of mail is a serious violation of a person’s right to privacy and can cause financial and emotional distress to victims. While it may not seem like a major concern to some, stealing mail is actually a federal offense in the United States, and can result in significant legal consequences.
So, is stealing mail a federal offense?
In short, yes, stealing mail is a federal offense under the United States Code, Title 18, Section 1708. Theft of Mail is defined as stealing, embezzling, or destroying any mailbox, postal package, letter, or other mail, intentionally and knowingly.
Historical Context
The concern about mail theft dates back to the early days of the postal service. With the rise of commercial traffic and increased reliance on postal services, the need for laws protecting mail and private property became more pressing.
In the late 18th century, the Constitution granted the federal government jurisdiction over post offices and their contents, paving the way for the creation of postal laws. The Threatened Mail Act of 1799 explicitly prohibited theft, robbery, and concealment of post office packages, making theft of mail a federal crime.
Federal Statute
Under the United States Code, Title 18, Section 1708, stealing, embezzling, or destroying any mailbox, postal package, letter, or other mail, intentionally and knowingly, is a federal crime.
Here are the relevant provisions of the statute:
- 18 USC 1708(a) states that anyone who purposely and knowingly steals, embezzles, or destroys any letter, parcel, or packet of the United States mails, is guilty of mail theft.
- 18 USC 1708(b) penalizes individuals who refuse or prevents mail from being deposited or transported, or from being transmitted or received by mail, with up to 3 years’ imprisonment and a fines of up to $250,000 or both.
- 18 USC 1708(c) requires that the sentencing court order restitution to victims of mail theft, such as paying back lost sums of money or compensating for damage to property.
Federal Penalties and Consequences
The punishments for stealing mail vary in severity depending on the offense and the individual’s previous criminal history. Prison sentences range from:
- Up to 1 year imprisonment for mail theft of up to $100 value or less.
- More than 1 year up to 3 years imprisonment for mail theft greater than $100 value and less than $200.
Criminal Charges
When accused of mail theft, an individual can be charged under federal or local laws. Federal prosecutions usually occur when mail theft affects multiple states, postal workers, or organizations. In these cases, the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service will investigate and prosecute the criminal activity.
Preventing Mail Theft
While no system is foolproof, there are steps individuals and businesses can take to deter and detect mail theft:
- Use security options like locking mailboxes, and consider investing in security cameras or mail scanners.
- Keep mailbox contents to a minimum: Only retrieve mail as often as possible, and destroy sensitive documents.
- Monitor account statements: Quickly review statements and notify credit reporting agencies of suspicious transactions.
- Report suspect activity: Inform the police or USPS immediately if suspicious activity occurs.
Mail Theft and Identity Theft
Mail theft is often committed for identity theft purposes, making it a critical public concern. Thieves seek sensitive information to create fraudulent identities, accounts, or credit cards, leading to financial loss, reputational damage, and emotional distress.
How to Recover from Mail Theft
If your mail or packages have been stolen or compromised:
- Inform the Postal Service: Notify your local post office, and request a postal agent’s statement.
- Report the incident to your local police: File a police report, providing evidence of theft, including witnesses, cameras, and logs.
- Notify authorities and institutions: Alert all relevant financial institutions, banks, credit reporting agencies, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
In conclusion, stealing mail is a federal offense, with serious consequences. Individuals can take proactive measures to protect their mail, report suspect activity, and recover from the aftermath. Remember that mail theft has significant repercussions, from financial losses to identity theft, making vigilance essential in this high-tech world.
