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How to recognize a suspicious package or letter

Of the millions of packages and letters being shipped each day, most are harmless. But you should always check your packages and mail carefully before opening them. We've put together a list from the United States Postal Service of what to watch out for.

HOUSTON - Below are some essential indicators on what to look for and tips if you suspect you received a suspicious mail item or package. Look at your package carefully before you open it to guard against potential threats and review the common indicators below.

Immediately isolate the package, call 9-1-1 and contact your local authorities. Here are the most common indicators to watch for:

Labeling, postage or markings

  • Foreign mail, air mail, special deliveries
  • Handwritten address
  • Excessive postage
  • Misspelled words
  • No return address or a strange return address
  • Restrictive markings such as “personal,” “confidential” or "private"
  • The name and/or business title are inaccurate
  • Distorted handwriting

Appearance of package

  • Powdery substance
  • Oily stains, packaging discolored
  • Strange odors
  • Excessive packaging material, like tape or string
  • Oddly shaped envelopes or boxes
  • Ticking or vibration sounds
  • Protruding wires
  • Leaking
  • Unprofessional wrapping
  • Endorses as "Handle with Care" or "Rush-Do Not Delay"
  • Exposed aluminum foil
  • Excessive weight

Package delivery

  • Package is unexpected or from someone unfamiliar
  • Mailed from a foreign country
  • Packaged left in an unusual location
  • Receive personal mail at your business location
  • Package contains a threatening note

Handling suspicious packages

When a letter or package appears suspicious, there are a number of steps you should take in order to ensure your own safety and protect the safety of others.

Your safety

  • Remain calm
  • Isolate the letter or package and do not open it any further
  • Alert others in the immediate area
  • Leave the area, close doors and prevent others from entering
  • Do NOT bring the package to local Police Department
  • Do NOT open or shake it
  • Do NOT sniff, touch or taste it
  • Wash your hands with soap and water

Emergency response

  • Call 9-1-1
  • Clear the immediate area until the police arrive
  • Contact local police department and Houston Crime Stoppers
  • Alert your building security team
  • Alert your apartment superintendent

What should employees do if they receive something unexpected at work?

Because of the increased sophistication of letter or package bombs and placed devices, fewer bombs can be readily identified by examining the exterior. Remind employees: If you’re not expecting a letter or package, be suspicious.

Without touching the item, record from each visible side of the item all available information (name and address of addressee and of sender, postmark, cancellation date, types of stamps, and any other markings or labels found on the item). Copy information with exact spelling and location given on item.

If you receive an unexpected mail piece or package:

Check the return address.If you don’t recognize the return address, contact the security office.The security office should attempt to contact the sender. Don’t open the mail piece until verification proves it’s harmless.

Resource

U.S. Postal Service

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