Fighting Allegations by Postal Inspectors of Mailbox Fishing

Fighting Allegations by Postal Inspectors of Mailbox Fishing

Getting accused of mailbox fishing can be scary. The penalties are severe, and the allegations can ruin your reputation. But with the right approach, you can fight the charges and protect yourself.

First, stay calm. Panicking helps no one. Take a deep breath and focus on mounting an effective defense.

What is Mailbox Fishing?

Mailbox fishing refers to stealing mail from USPS mailboxes[1]. Criminals use various techniques to remove mail from boxes without authorization:

• Inserting a sticky line to pull out envelopes
• “Sweeping” the inside of the box with an adhesive
• Using special tools to reach in and grab mail

This allows thieves to steal checks, account information, and other valuables from the mail. Cases of mailbox fishing are on the rise nationwide[2][3].

Why Are Postal Inspectors Targeting This?

Mailbox fishing causes huge problems:

• It facilitates check fraud and identity theft
• Citizens lose money and have their information compromised
• The USPS loses reputation and business

So postal inspectors are cracking down through targeted operations like “Operation Broken Mailbox”[4]. They take allegations very seriously and pursue charges aggressively.

What Are the Penalties If Convicted?

The penalties for mailbox fishing depend on the specific circumstances, but can include[5]:

• Up to 5 years in federal prison
• Fines up to $250,000
• Probation or supervised release
• Restitution to victims

These are severe consequences. That’s why building an effective defense is critical.

How to Fight the Allegations

Here are some tips if postal inspectors accuse you of mailbox fishing:

1. Don’t panic – stay calm and focused.
2. Be polite if questioned, but do not answer without a lawyer.
3. Gather evidence of your activities and whereabouts.
4. Check for video surveillance that may exonerate you.
5. Hire a criminal defense lawyer experienced with federal charges.
6. Have your lawyer negotiate with prosecutors.
7. Challenge the evidence and require prosecutors to prove guilt.
8. Raise plausible defenses like mistaken identity or lack of criminal intent.
9. Highlight mitigating factors to prosecutors and the judge.
10. Accept a plea bargain if it’s the best option.

With an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer, many accused of mailbox fishing can get charges reduced or dismissed. Don’t go it alone.

Avoiding Allegations in the First Place

The best defense is not getting accused at all. Here are some tips:

• Never insert anything into a mailbox that isn’t your mail.
• Don’t touch mailboxes that aren’t yours.
• Avoid suspicious behavior around mailboxes like lingering.
• If you see suspicious activity near mailboxes, report it.
• Don’t joke about taking mail as a prank – it’s not funny.

In summary, mailbox fishing is a growing problem facing stiff penalties. But with an experienced lawyer, those accused can mount a strong defense. The key is staying calm, gathering exonerating evidence, and requiring prosecutors to prove guilt. Avoiding shady behavior around mailboxes is the best way to prevent allegations in the first place.

References

[1] https://tbrnewsmedia.com/fraudsters-escalate-mailbox-fishing-and-check-washing-scams/

[2] https://www.towntopics.com/wordpress/2021/08/18/usps-local-police-combat-spate-of-mailbox-fishing/

[3] https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/cases-of-check-fraud-escalate-dramatically-with-americans-warned-not-to-mail-checks-if-possible/4418422/

[4] https://www.justice.gov/usao-edca/pr/results-announced-operation-broken-mailbox-targeted-bulk-mail-theft

[5] https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/pr/two-charged-fishing-mail-postal-service-collection-boxes-bank-fraud