Mail theft refers to the act of stealing mail that is not owned by the thief. This can occur from various sources, including postal trucks, collection boxes, and apartment mailboxes. Thieves often target mail to access sensitive information, such as credit cards, social security numbers, bank statements, and checks. This crime is considered a significant form of white-collar crime in the United States.
Mail theft is primarily addressed in criminal law. It falls under federal jurisdiction, as it involves the theft of mail, which is considered a federal offense. Legal practitioners may encounter this term in cases involving identity theft, fraud, and other related crimes. Individuals can utilize legal templates from US Legal Forms to draft necessary documents or reports related to mail theft incidents.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A person steals mail from a neighborhood collection box to obtain bank statements and commit fraud. This act constitutes mail theft.
Example 2: A thief intercepts a package containing a new credit card before it reaches the intended recipient, intending to use the card for unauthorized purchases. (hypothetical example)
The primary federal statute governing mail theft is Section 1702 of the U.S. Code, which addresses the obstruction of correspondence. Under this statute, individuals found guilty of mail theft can face fines and imprisonment for up to five years.
| Term | Definition | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Mail Theft | Stealing mail that is not yours. | Specifically involves mail and postal services. |
| Identity Theft | Using someone else's personal information for fraud. | Can occur without direct mail theft; may involve other methods of obtaining information. |
| Fraud | Deceiving someone for personal gain. | Fraud can result from mail theft but is a broader term encompassing various deceptive practices. |
If you suspect that you are a victim of mail theft, take the following steps:
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.
Report the theft to your local post office and monitor your financial accounts for any suspicious activity.