With so much happening online, we often talk a lot about cybersecurity and the risks that come with a breach of your accounts. However, what we don’t focus on, as much anymore, is the threat of mail theft. Mail theft is a felony that occurs when someone takes, abstracts, or steals mail that doesn’t belong to them. This can include intercepting someone’s mail before it arrives, opening mail that belongs to someone else, or throwing out someone else’s mail.
Why Would Someone Want to Steal Your Mail?
There are a variety of reasons as to why someone would want to steal your mail. Sometimes mail thieves want to steal your identity by obtaining your personal information. Other times, they wish to go through your mail in the hopes of finding any cash or checks that they can use. With so many people losing their jobs and income over the past year due to the pandemic, many people are looking for an easy way out, and committing identity theft may just be it.
Obtaining Your Personal Information
It may not seem like a big deal, but there is a lot that your mail can give away about you. Things that can be obtained through mail theft include:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your phone number
- Your email address
- Your social security number
- Your credit card/bank account information
- Your employment history
- Your family information
How Can Someone Profit from Stealing Your Mail?
After stealing your personal information, someone can profit by either using your information to obtain money (charging your credit card) or by selling your information to others. Crimes that may be committed through obtaining your information include:
- Identity theft
- Bank fraud
- Benefits fraud
- Tax refund fraud
- Loan fraud
- Employment-related fraud
Consequences for Stealing Someone Else’s Mail
Mail theft is a federal crime that can result in serious consequences. Post office employees are often accused of mail theft if they throw out any mail that is undeliverable. Mail fraud is punishable by a fine and up to five years in prison. Newspaper theft is also a crime that can result in up to a year in prison.
The Attorneys at Ceja Law Firm Help Those in Houston Who Have Been Charged with Mail Theft
If you have been accused of mail theft, it can have very serious consequences. That’s why it’s so important that you act quickly in an effort to defend yourself.
At Ceja Law Firm PLLC, we understand the serious nature of such a criminal charge and the impact that it can have on one’s life. We also understand that time is of the essence. That’s why we will work to help you obtain the best possible outcome. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!