A disturbing trend in mail theft is hitting Western Pennsylvania and Mt. Lebanon Police are urging residents to not use any outdoor mailboxes.   

Police recommend using online bill pay when possible and avoiding the mailing of checks or documents containing sensitive information via outdoor mailboxes, including those in United States Post Office parking lots. For those who must send such documents, police ask residents to use indoor, staffed post office locations. 

Mt. Lebanon Cpl. Ty Kegarise said networks of criminals create copies of master keys to get access to mailboxes. It takes only a few minutes for a thief to unlock a mailbox and steal the mail inside. While USPS and local police departments are working on this issue, it’s important that residents take extra measures to protect themselves.  

One local man is speaking out after someone impersonated him at a bank in Florida and withdrew money from his personal account.  

The Mt. Lebanon resident, who asked not to be named for privacy reasons, said a thief used a fake ID with his personal details. “They look for rookie tellers,” he explained, “because they’re less likely to question something suspicious.” It remains unclear whether his information was stolen from intercepted mail or online. PNC Bank, where the fraud occurred, directed him to file a police report.   

After documenting the incident, Mt. Lebanon police gave him a flyer with resources and next steps for fraud victims. He now urges others to avoid using outdoor mailboxes. “Go inside the post office and hand it to someone,” he advises.  

The police department confirms that mail theft is an increasingly common tactic for identity thieves. “Sensitive, personal information sent through the mail can be used to steal your identity and result in fraudulent accounts opened in your name,” police said in a public alert. “Thieves are also filing fraudulent tax returns and cashing fraudulent checks.” 

As mail theft continues to rise, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, and to share the warning with family and friends. 

If you’ve been the victim of a fraud or theft, please report it to the Mt. Lebanon Police Department by calling 911. For up-to-date information on scams and theft trends in our area, visit mtlebanon.org/scams.