Like many of you, I’m concerned about having my identity stolen. I’ve signed up for free credit monitoring through Credit Karma, I shred anything with my address on it, use a password manager to use strong, unique passwords, and take other steps to protect my identity. One of the tools in my arsenal is an awesome free service from the US Postal Service called Informed Delivery.
Informed Delivery allows you to digitally preview letter-sized mail and manage package delivery. The USPS has gone to automated sorting of mail, and digitally images the front of letter-sized mailpieces that run through their equipment. USPS uses these images to provide digital notifications before the mail is physically delivered.
Here’s how it works. Each morning, I get an email with a view of what is coming to my mailbox that day. For example, this is today’s mail:
If I happen not to get this mail, it may have been stolen and I can report it to the Post Office. This is particularly helpful if you are expecting some sensitive material such as a credit card.
In order to sign up for Informed Delivery, you must be living at an eligible residential address and be able to verify your identity. You also need to create a personal usps.com account if you do not already have one.
Here are some directions with screenshots:
- Go to informeddelivery.usps.com.
- Select “Sign Up For Free.”
- Enter your address to determine if it is eligible for Informed Delivery.
- If your address is eligible, either login to your usps.com account or create one.
- Complete the identity verification process. You can verify by sending a text message to an eligible cell phone or getting a code in the mail
- You should begin receiving notifications within a week. You can view your mail in your email inbox or online each day.
I think this is a great way to help protect your privacy and identity! And it’s 100% free.