Teach family, friends and co-workers to be aware when opening mail and packages.
Signs of Suspicious Mail and Packages
- Unexpected or from someone you do not know.
- Not addressed to a specific person.
- Addressed to someone no longer at the address.
- Handwritten with either no or an unreadable return address.
- Lopsided or lumpy.
- Has wires or unusual contents that can felt or that protrude from the package.
- Postmarked city does not match return address.
- Marked with restrictive endorsement – such as “personal” or “confidential.”
- Excessive postage.
- Common words are misspelled.
- Incorrect titles or titles without names.
- Soiled or stained packages.
- Powdery substance felt or seen.
- Marked with threatening language.
- Strong odor, excessive weight or ticking sound.
What to do with Suspicious Mail and Packages
- Do not shake, sniff, touch, taste or look closely at it; contents may be spilled.
- Do not carry it, show it to others, or allow others to touch.
- If it is already in your hands when you become suspicious, put it down on a stable surface and do not handle.
- Alert others in the area and leave the area.
- Close any doors and prevent others from entering the area.
- If possible, shut off the ventilation.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Notify law enforcement immediately!
