Suspicious Mail

USPS guide to identifying suspicious mail

• Restrictive markings (e.g., "Personal")
• Postmark city different from return address
• Fictitious, unfamiliar or no return address
• Excessive postage
• Address to title only (e.g., "Vice President")
• Wrong title with name
• Badly typed or written addresses
• Misspelled words
• Rigid or bulky
• Protruding wires or tin foil
• Strange odor
• Oily stains on wrapping or lopsided package
• Sloshing sounds - possible liquid contents
• Excessive wrapping materials such as strapping tape or string
• Exceptionally heavy for size

If you perceive a potential threat or suspicious letter/package:

• Do not open the mail.
• Double-bag the letter or package in a zip-lock type plastic bag using latex gloves.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Notify your immediate supervisor, University Mail Services Manager or Director of Property Management, and contact us.
• Ensure that all persons who have touched the letter/package wash their hands with soap and water.
• List all persons who have touched the letter/package with contact information.