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USPS Workers Accused of Mail Theft After $100 Gift Card Goes Missing

Published

6 hours ago

Nov 28, 2024.

USPS Workers Accused of Mail Theft After Gift Card Goes Missing

A missing $100 Visa gift card has raised concerns about mail theft within the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), with customers suspecting insider involvement.

Jimmie Blackstone, who expected the card as part of a bonus from his internet provider, found out it had been used at a restaurant he’d never visited.

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After noticing his mail arriving opened and at odd hours, he reported the issue. “It felt strange. Once I filed a complaint, the odd deliveries stopped,” he said.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that investigations by 13 Investigates found that mail theft by USPS employees is more common than many realize.

Between January 2023 and June 2024, the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) arrested 602 workers for stealing mail, often targeting gift cards and cash.

One postal worker in Houston admitted to stealing cash and cards, affecting over 1,000 customers. She later resigned and was sentenced to probation.

In other cases, a carrier was found with thousands of undelivered mail pieces in their car, and another had stored mail in their home, including some torn apart.

Frank Albergo, president of the Postal Police Officers Association, said mail theft has become a serious problem, with stolen mail even being sold online. “It’s getting worse, and it’s hurting trust in the postal service,” he said.

In response, the USPS OIG said it is working to stop these thefts and investigate employees involved in criminal activities.

Blackstone, like many others, feels let down. “Having my mail tampered with is frustrating. It’s supposed to be secure,” he said.

USPS Workers Accused of Mail Theft After Gift Card Goes Missing

The investigation is ongoing as authorities try to prevent more theft and rebuild trust in the postal service.