A Simple Errand, a Costly Risk
We’ve all pulled up beside a blue U.S. Postal Service drop box, slid in a bill payment or birthday card, and driven off without a second thought. But what used to feel secure now carries a growing risk that could leave you drained (literally).
Mail theft is on the rise, and the very boxes meant to keep your mail safe are becoming easy targets for criminals armed with stolen keys and chemical tricks. If you’re still using outdoor collection boxes for important deliveries, it’s time to rethink that habit.
The Rise of Mailbox Fishing and Check Washing
According to the U.S. Postal Service, criminals have figured out how to gain access to public drop boxes by stealing postal master keys (also known as arrow keys). These keys open dozens, if not hundreds, of mailboxes across a region. Once inside, thieves look for one thing: checks.
Why checks? Because they’re incredibly easy to exploit. Thieves use a method called check washing, which is a chemical process that erases ink without damaging the check’s structure. With the recipient’s name and amount wiped clean, scammers fill in their own details and cash the checks, often for larger amounts. Some criminals even sell these altered checks on underground markets, creating a wider network of fraud.
The result: Your bank account may be siphoned, your payment never arrives, and your financial headache begins.
Why Outdoor Drop Boxes Are No Longer Safe
Historically, those iconic blue boxes were seen as reliable and convenient. But their vulnerability is no longer a rare occurrence, it’s becoming a systemic problem, especially in metro areas like Atlanta where postal theft rings have made headlines (like this one in Gwinnett County and this one in Cobb County).
Even secure-looking boxes in “safe” neighborhoods aren’t immune. These boxes are often targeted after hours or on weekends, when mail may sit for longer periods before being picked up, giving thieves a longer window to strike.
The U.S. Postal Service now recommends avoiding outdoor drop boxes altogether. This has been a serious change in guidance that underscores the scale of the problem.
A Safer Way to Send Sensitive Mail
So, what should you do instead?
- Take your mail inside the post office. Dropping it in the indoor chute or handing it to a clerk ensures it’s secure until it’s collected.
- Give it directly to your letter carrier. Handing over outgoing mail during your regular delivery is still considered safe.
- Avoid mailing checks when possible. Consider paying electronically through your bank or a secure payment platform that doesn’t require physical delivery.
While these steps may take a few extra minutes, they significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of mail fraud.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Risk?
Mail fraud might sound old-school, but it’s thriving in 2025 – and getting smarter. Criminals don’t need to hack your accounts when they can simply steal your physical mail, wash a check, and cash it.
Take Action Now
- Switch to online payments for bills and recurring expenses when available.
- If you must mail something important, walk it inside the post office.
- Worried you’ve been a victim? Report suspicious activity to the USPS Inspection Service and contact your bank immediately.
If your instinct is still to toss that rent check or insurance payment into the neighborhood box, pause. Is the convenience really worth the risk?
