Tips for dealing with suspicious mail

The US Postal Service has provided the following advice for dealing with suspicious items of mail:

What should make me suspect a piece of mail?

• It's unexpected or from someone you don't know.
• It's addressed to someone no longer at your address.
• It's handwritten and has no return address or bears one that you can't confirm is legitimate.
• It's lopsided or lumpy in appearance.
• It's sealed with excessive amounts of tape.
• It's marked with restrictive endorsements such as "Personal" or "Confidential."
• It has excessive postage.

What should I do with a suspicious piece of mail?

• Don't handle a letter or package that you suspect is contaminated.
• Don't shake it, bump it, or sniff it.
• Put the mail piece in a plastic bag.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Notify local law enforcement authorities.

For the latest service and security updates from the US Postal Service, vist their website at www.usps.com.