Identity Thieves Are Stealing People's Mail, Especially In This Denver Area

Federal investigators are looking into an increase in mail theft across the Denver metro area, reports FOX31.

According to investigators mail theft typically increases during the summer. Because the U.S. Postal Service has the address of over 160 million locations, it makes mail an easy target for thieves.

The areas recently targeted by thieves are apartment and condominium complexes in Englewood, Aurora, and Denver, according to investigators.

“We have been generally seeing a heightened focus by mail thieves in the southeast Denver area,” Postal inspector Eric Manuel told FOX31 Problem Solvers.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service works with police to investigate mail theft.

According to Manuel, stealing mail is usually the first step in a broader plan to commit identity theft.

“Mail thieves are often looking for your personal financial information because they want to commit financial fraud,” said Manuel.

He's advising residents to monitor their mail closely by checking it daily. He also suggests using free tools available on the Postal Service website.

“You can redirect shipments. You can monitor your daily mail by getting images through a program called Informed Delivery” said Manuel.

Investigators are urged to report any thefts to the Postal Inspection Service. According to FOX31, mail theft penalties can result in up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.