Medium riskIdentity Theft

Mail Theft & Redirection Scam

In this scam, criminals steal your post or fraudulently redirect your mail to capture statements, cards, and documents used for identity theft and account takeover.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Mail theft / address fraud
Main red flag
Expected mail stops arriving, or you get a redirection confirmation you did not request.
What to do first
Contact your postal service and the senders, and watch your accounts.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, criminals steal your post or fraudulently redirect your mail to capture statements, cards, and documents used for identity theft and account takeover.

Identity theft uses stolen personal data, from phishing, data breaches, or mail theft, to open accounts, claim benefits, or take over existing accounts in your name. It can go undetected for months, which is why early monitoring and credit freezes matter.

The single clearest warning sign to remember is this: Expected mail stops arriving, or you get a redirection confirmation you did not request. Contact your postal service and the senders, and watch your accounts.

Not sure this matches what you received? Compare it with the Cheque Washing Scam or the New Account Fraud Scam, browse the Identity Theft & Data Scams guides, or paste the exact message into our free scam checker.

By the numbers

1M+
identity-theft reports are made to the FTC each year
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
$10.3B
total reported US fraud losses in 2023
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

Example message pattern

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: Your bank statements and cards stop arriving, and you receive a 'change of address confirmed' notice you never requested.

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Why this is a red flag: Expected mail stops arriving, or you get a redirection confirmation you did not request.

Red flags to watch for

  • Expected mail suddenly stopping
  • A redirection or change-of-address confirmation you did not request
  • Missing statements, cards, or documents
  • Signs your mailbox has been tampered with
  • New accounts or activity following missing mail

What to do

  • Contact your postal service about suspected theft or redirection
  • Tell senders to reissue documents securely and watch accounts
  • Use a locking mailbox and collect post promptly
  • Go paperless for sensitive statements where possible

If you already clicked or replied

  • If mail was redirected fraudulently, report it to your postal service and police
  • Contact banks and providers to secure accounts and reissue cards
  • Check your credit report for new activity
  • Keep records of reports

What not to do

  • Do not leave post in an unsecured mailbox
  • Do not ignore missing statements or cards
  • Do not delay reporting a redirection you did not set up

Similar scams

Medium risk Bank & Payment

Cheque Washing Scam

In a cheque washing scam, criminals steal cheques, often from post boxes or unsecured mail, then use chemicals to erase the original ink. They rewrite the payee name and amount and cash the altered cheque. Because the cheque is technically genuine, the fraud may only surface when it clears or when an expected cheque never arrives. Writing cheques carefully and tracking expected post can reduce your exposure.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Identity Theft

New Account Fraud Scam

In this scam, criminals use your stolen details to open new bank, credit, phone, or utility accounts in your name, running up debts and bills that appear under your identity.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Identity Theft

Synthetic Identity Scam

In this scam, criminals combine real stolen details, such as your Social Security or ID number, with fake information to create a synthetic identity used to open accounts and credit that can affect you.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Frequently asked questions

How is mail theft used for identity theft?
Stolen statements, cards, and documents give criminals the details needed to take over accounts or open new ones. Fraudulent redirection diverts your post to them.
I got a redirection notice I didn't request. What now?
Contact your postal service immediately to stop it, tell your banks and providers, secure accounts, and check your credit report.
How do I protect my mail?
Use a locking mailbox, collect post promptly, go paperless for sensitive statements where possible, and act fast if mail goes missing.
Why did my statements stop arriving?
It can indicate fraudulent redirection or theft. Contact the senders and your postal service, and watch your accounts for misuse.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.