Is it a federal offense to withhold someone's mail?

Is it illegal for someone to keep your mail?

Mail theft or obstruction is a federal crime and can result in serious penalties. A conviction can lead to fines of up to $250,000 and up to five years in federal prison. A conviction also means a permanent criminal record that affects employment and background checks.

Can you call the police if someone is withholding your mail?

Contact OIG to report USPS employees suspected of tampering with/stealing mail: OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL. Call 911 to report an active crime in progress.

Is delaying the mail a crime?

Whoever knowingly and willfully obstructs or retards the passage of the mail, or any carrier or conveyance carrying the mail, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both. (June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 778; Pub.

What are the rules for holding mail?

USPS Hold Mail® service can hold your mail safely at your local Post Office™ facility until you return, for up to 30 days. To hold your mail longer or to reroute your mail, please sign up for a forwarding service. You can make your request up to 30 days in advance or as early as the next scheduled delivery day.

What is the mailbox rule in law?

The mailbox rule, also called the posting rule, refers to the default rule in contracts law for determining when an offer was accepted. Under the mailbox rule, an offer is considered accepted the moment the offeree mails their letter, rather than when the offeror receives the letter in the mail.

Is taking someone's mail a federal offense?

Mail theft is the federal crime of taking, stealing, or removing mail from mailboxes, post offices, or mail carriers. It's punishable by up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines. This offense includes destroying mail, tampering with mailboxes, and obtaining stolen mail.

Is withholding information a federal offense?

§ 152(9) Subsection (9) of Section 152 prohibits the fraudulent withholding of any recorded information--i.e., books, documents, records, and papers--related to the property or the financial affairs of the debtor.

What is the Federal mail Restriction Act?

The Federal Mail Restriction Act of 1934 established the mailbox restriction statute (18 U.S.C. 1725) making it a federal offense to place unstamped mailable items into USPS mailboxes with fines up to $5,000.

Is it illegal for someone to refuse to give you your mail?

Whoever knowingly and willfully obstructs or retards the passage of the mail, or any carrier or conveyance carrying the mail, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both. (June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat.

Where to complain about not receiving mail?

If your mail isn't being delivered, contact your local post office first to speak with the Postmaster or a supervisor, as they can address local issues directly; if unresolved, file a Missing Mail Search Request with the USPS, or call 1-800-ASK-USPS for general issues, escalating to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) if necessary. 

Can my ex throw away my mail?

No, it is illegal for someone to inspect, dispose of, or destroy another person's mail. Make sure to avoid such activities at all costs and handle the situation appropriately.

Who can hold your mail?

USPS Hold Mail® service will hold ALL mail (including letters and packages) for ALL individuals at the specified eligible* address. There is no charge to request USPS Hold Mail® service. An address can have only one USPS Hold Mail® service in effect at a time.

Can Canada Post hold your mail?

You can buy residential Hold Mail to suspend mail delivery at your home address or business Hold Mail when you're away from your business location. To put your mail on hold, purchase the Hold Mail service at least 5 business days before you want your mail to be held.

What is a PS Form 3849?

PS Form 3849 is the Redelivery Notice left for you when your mailpiece is undeliverable. This form provides you with information on the type of mailpiece that was attempted by the Carrier, why the mailpiece was not left, and which delivery options are available.

Is withholding someone's mail a federal offense?

It should be noted that because mail theft involves the government-run U.S. Postal Service, it is also a federal crime under Title 18, U.S. Code 1708. Therefore, California's mail theft statute refers directly to this federal law for its definition of mail theft.

Is it a felony to keep someone's mail?

Stealing, destroying, defacing, or interfering with the delivery of mail is a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. To avoid potential legal troubles, here's what not to do with mail that isn't yours. Throw It Away.

What can you do if someone won't give you your mail?

Contact your Local Post Office if you need further assistance.

1. Notify your local police.
2. Place your mail on hold if needed, until you repair or replace your box.
3. Report mail theft by following the instructions under "Report Mail Theft", above.

How to report mail being withheld?

Where to file a complaint about mail services

1. To file a complaint online, select the topic below "What's the reason for your inquiry?" on the USPS "Email us" page. ...
2. Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or TTY: 711.
3. Locate your local post office to speak with your station manager.

Is it illegal for mailman to withhold mail?

Yes, it is generally illegal and a violation of federal law and USPS policy for a mail carrier to willfully and without cause refuse to deliver mail, as they are legally required to provide service, but they can delay or stop delivery for legitimate safety/access issues like a blocked mailbox or a threatening environment. Unlawfully delaying, destroying, or secreting mail can lead to fines or imprisonment under 18 U.S.C. § 1703, so if it's a personal vendetta or unfounded refusal, you should file a formal complaint with the USPS, escalate to the Postmaster, and potentially contact the USPS Inspector General. 

How long do postal investigations usually take?

Postal investigations vary greatly in length, from a few weeks for simple missing mail searches to several months or over a year for complex fraud, theft, or EEO cases, with timelines depending on case complexity, evidence volume (like fingerprints taking longer), and backlog, though standard EEO investigations aim for 180 days but often extend.