Fewer people are receiving checks through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) than even a couple of decades ago. Government benefits, paychecks, refunds and other payments are more likely to be made directly to people’s bank accounts.
Nonetheless, in Mississippi, mail theft has become more common in recent years. The president of the Mississippi Bankers Association says, “Mail theft has been a growing problem, really since the pandemic.” New and replacement credit cards are typically still sent vis U.S. mail. So are packets of new checks.
Mail theft has long been a federal crime. Now, as of July 1 of this year, it is also a state crime in Mississippi.
Penalties for violating the new state law
A first conviction can carry a sentence of as long as five years in prison and potentially a $5,000 fine. A second conviction can result in a decade behind bars and a $20,000 fine.
Those convicted of this offense are also responsible for paying restitution to the person for whom the mail was intended if they experienced any losses as a result.
The law covers more than stealing mail out of a mailbox
An obvious example of mail theft is someone stealing mail that contains a check out of someone’s mailbox and fraudulently cashing or depositing that check. However, the law is more comprehensive. As just one example, making a copy of a mailbox key without permission falls under the offense of mail theft.
It’s important to note that the term “mail” doesn’t refer just to U.S. Mail. It also refers to “any other sealed article addressed to another, along with its contents.” That could include a FedEx envelope, an Amazon package and more.
Of course, interfering with the delivery of the mail or any package intended for someone else in any way is never wise. However, anyone who finds themselves charged with the crime of mail theft needs to understand the seriousness of the charge and get legal guidance as soon as possible.
