98 Years of Mail Fraud
How the postal letter became a tool for ingenious criminality. — 
“This anonymity is the beating heart of mail crime, opening the door for anyone with enough motive to commit criminal acts at arm’s length from the law. In the same way that the internet allows lone hackers to become bank robbers, the letter serves as a gateway for unconnected people to reach out to the world, whatever their intentions. It remains both a symbol of trust and a tool of terror…”
It’s Not If, But When.
Far from declining, the number of suspicious pieces of mail, including those containing improvised explosive devices, is holding steady, according to the U.S. Postal Service.
Every day, threatening letters and parcels land at corporate and government offices.
Most are inconvenient. Some cause damage. A few change everything.
Mail threats can occur at any time, for any type of organization. They may come from terrorist actions, homegrown extremists, or individuals with a grievance against a particular company. Mail screening is an essential part of an overall security plan that includes physical security and cyber security strategies.
Three Critical Reasons to Consider Mail Screening:
1. Employee Safety
First and foremost your frontline mailroom employees and any employee who receives mail or deliveries could be at risk. Ensuring their safety and workplace security is always of first priority.
2. Facilities and Assets
Business disruption is expensive. Even a hoax letter can cripple operations for hours. A hazardous one could shut down your office for days or longer, at great cost to your business.
Damaged facilities or assets can be very costly and repair can take valuable time.
Protecting your business continuity is important.
3. Organizational Reputation
The goal of a mail terrorist is to disrupt and generate publicity.
In a matter of minutes, a mail threat could force your employees to be evacuated. Staff scrubbed down by a hazmat crew, their images broadcast on national television.
Prevention is key.
Why aren’t more mail threats in the news every day? They are detected by mail screening experts with a concern for privacy and discretion.
What Should We Do?
Mail threats are a low-cost, accessible form of terrorism. For the price of a stamp, your organization is at risk for disruption or real harm.
Start receiving your mail with confidence.
Basic steps for Mailroom Safety include:
1. Provide mailroom security training
2. Put a plan in writing
2. Install correct sensor equipment
3. Train employees
4. Run practice drills
If this is not possible, consider outsourcing mail screening to a third party or sending mail to a third party screening facility.
If you need help determining your best course of action, let us know. We’re here to help.
As always, I appreciate your comments. smartin@sobran-inc.com