Part of protecting yourself against identity theft is protecting your mail. Sometimes, when you move, it can take a few days for your mail to catch up to you. The U.S. Postal Service uses enhanced security protocols surrounding its change of address (COA) service by implementing additional identity verification methods. The USPS made these enhancements to address global identity theft concerns and to further protect customers’ information. The change of address service can be completed online at USPS.com, or by visiting your local Post Office.
The Postal Service takes the issue of identity theft very seriously because it’s happening to them too. The Postal Service is seeing a surge in mail thefts and letter carrier robberies. From March 2020 to February 2021, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service received nearly 300,000 mail theft complaints; that’s more than a 160 percent increase compared to the same period a year prior.
In addition to tightening its change of address procedures, the Postal Service and the Postal Inspection Service have a joint initiative to combat the rise in mail theft called Project Safe Delivery. Prevention efforts include the rollout of high security collection boxes, electronic arrow locks (elocks), and modified arrow key locks.
Verification Requirements
The basics of filing a change of address form with the USPS haven’t changed. However, the USPS has an additional step to the process to verify your identity. How you verify your identity will depend on how you filed your COA. Your COA is only activated after your ID has been verified.
If you are unable to verify your identity online or in person, you will be unable to activate a USPS change of address. If this is the case, the USPS suggests you directly notify your various creditors and organizations of the address change. You don’t want to leave behind any sensitive or critical information.
Online filers will incur a $1.10 charge and will need a valid mobile phone number. If you go in person to change your address, you will need a valid photo I.D. and it’s recommended that you bring a second form of identification that includes your old or new address.
By Donna LeValley
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