Unfortunately, we live in time when we should consider no longer following  practices of the past that were once safe and not a problem to those who used them.  One practice that people should think carefully about is sending payments or other monies through the mail, especially leaving the postal item in their private/residential mailbox with the flag up indicating out-going mail is needed to be picked up.

In today's society we have many individuals who make their living off of crimes of opportunity.  One source of opportunity involves the federal crime of removing mail from citizens' mailboxes.  Criminals realize that many people still make bill payments through the mail, using either checks or money orders to complete the transaction.  Another source of income are the cards that we send to celebrate birthdays, weddings and etc... Many cards have currency or checks enclosed; knowing this - criminals look for such cards.

In short, when wanting to make a payment using the mail service the best method is to drop the envelop in a U.S. mailbox or stop by the Post Office.  Another consideration in making payments is the use of on-line services which many banks and businesses provide.  Remember, that little red flag on your mailbox when in the up position may be saying to some individuals, "Here it is, come and get it."