Concern for all who come into contact with the mail has been heightened across the country by recent events. Please ensure that your office takes any and all precautions to protect the safety of your employees. Additionally, it's important to review and implement security measures to reduce the risk of tampering with your incoming or outgoing mail. The anthrax attacks in 2001 reminded us all to pay close attention to employee safety. We can't know what form the next attack or emergency will take, but we can take the steps that will increase the safety of our employees.

Although the Central Mail Facilities personnel try to intercept any suspicious mail before it is delivered, some mail may circumvent our facilities and appear on your desk. Please be aware of any signs of suspisious packages or letters.

Characteristics of suspicious packages or letters include:

Excessive postage, no postage, or non-canceled postage
No return address or obvious fictitious return address
Packages that are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you
Improper spelling of addressee names, titles, or locations
Packages addressed to someone no longer with your organization or are otherwise outdated
Unexpected envelopes from foreign countries
Suspicious or threatening messages written on packages
Postmark showing different location than return address
Distorted handwriting or cut and paste lettering
Unprofessionally wrapped packages or excessive use of tape, strings, etc.
Packages marked "Fragile - Handle with Care", "Rush - Do Not Delay", "Personal" or "Confidential"
Rigid, uneven, irregular, or lopsided packages
Packages that are discolored, oily, or have an unusual odor or ticking sound
Packages that have any powdery substance on the outside
Packages with soft spots, bulges, or excessive weight
Protruding wires or aluminum foil
Visual distractions
Suspicious objects visible when the package is x-rayed

More on Mail Security | USPS HTML | Pitney Bowes HTML | Printable - Updated suspicious mail poster PDF