USPS offers hold mail command via the Web
Posted on Monday, July 9, 2007
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/News/54864/
In an attempt to provide its customers a bit more convenience, as well as protecting their mail, the U. S. Postal Service is letting people give the command via the Internet to hold their mail while they leave their home on vacation.
Leisa Tolliver-Gay, a Postal Service spokeswoman, said anyone can log on at www. usps. com and search for the “ Hold Mail Service” to have their mail held from three to 30 days at no charge. A quick entering of the zip code, home address and the dates the mail should be held is all it takes. Tolliver-Gay said the decision to implement the Internet service was a simple one. “ People are very Internet savvy, ” she said. “ We want our Web site to be simple to use so they will come back. ”
Once the mail is held, it can be picked up upon return at the local post office, Tolliver-Gay said. She also said having your mail held, in addition to being convenient, is a good way to keep a house safe while away on vacation.
“ If the house looks like there’s no one there, it’s a cue for people looking to steal, ” she said.
Fayetteville Police Sgt. Shannon Gabbard said holding the mail while away from home is a good way to protect from identity theft.
“ It’s not every day, but once in a while, you’ll get a group of people who search mailboxes for outgoing or uncashed checks, ” he said.
Gabbard encouraged everyone to have their mail held when they head out of town and to also have their newspapers held as well. For instance, people with a subscription to the Northwest Arkansas Times can contact a customer service line at (800 ) 482-1121 to have their papers held.
Gabbard said a full mailbox and a front deck full of newspapers make easy choices for possible breakins.
“ If they see some newspapers stacked, they’re pretty much convinced they can go in and do some damage, ” he said.
In one final mark of advice to anyone leaving the area for a time, Gabbard said residents can notify the police office, whether it’s for a weekend or a week.
“ If we know you’re going out of town, we’ll put your house down for an extra patrol, ” Gabbard said.
Anyone wishing to do so can contact the Fayetteville Police Department at 587-3555.