How Often Do Checks Get Lost in the Mail?

Checks are a common payment method, and concerns about them getting lost in the mail are understandable. This article explores mail reliability, common reasons checks go missing, and provides guidance for senders and recipients on secure check handling.

Understanding Mail Reliability

The postal service handles an immense volume of mail daily, demonstrating high reliability. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) delivers to over 168 million points nationwide, processing billions of pieces of mail annually. While complete data on lost mail is challenging to ascertain, the percentage considered lost is statistically very low. Estimates suggest it’s around 0.51% or even less than 0.05% for misdelivered items, indicating the vast majority reaches its intended destination.

Common Causes of Lost Mail

Despite overall mail delivery reliability, checks can go missing due to several factors. Misdelivery is common, often from incorrect or incomplete addressing, human error by postal workers, or automated sorting malfunctions. Similar street names or building numbers can also lead to mail being delivered to the wrong address.

Theft is another significant reason, occurring from unsecured mailboxes or during transit. Criminals may target mailboxes with outgoing mail flags, looking for checks to alter or cash fraudulently. Damage to mail during processing or handling can also render it undeliverable.

Steps When a Check Goes Missing

If you suspect a check you sent or are expecting has been lost, act promptly. The recipient should contact the sender to confirm mailing and verify check details like the number, amount, and date. If the check has not arrived within a reasonable timeframe (typically five working days for First-Class mail), proceed with further steps.

The sender should contact their bank to inquire about the check’s status and consider placing a stop payment order. This prevents the check from being cashed if it falls into the wrong hands. To initiate a stop payment, the bank requires specific details: check number, exact amount, payee’s name, and date written. Banks typically charge a fee for this service, ranging from $15 to $36. Oral requests may be valid for about 14 days, while written requests are generally honored for up to six months. Act quickly, as a stop payment cannot be placed once the check has cleared the account.

After a stop payment is issued, the sender can void the original check and re-issue a new one. If criminal activity is suspected (e.g., theft), report the incident to local law enforcement or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Monitoring bank accounts and credit reports for signs of fraudulent activity is recommended.

Strategies for Secure Check Handling

Implementing proactive strategies can significantly reduce the risk of checks being lost or compromised. When sending checks, use secure, non-transparent envelopes to prevent contents from being visible. Folding the check within a piece of paper can further obscure its presence. Always write the full address clearly and legibly.

To minimize theft exposure, avoid leaving outgoing mail (especially checks) in unsecured residential mailboxes. Instead, deposit mail directly into official USPS collection boxes, hand it to a uniformed mail carrier, or take it inside a post office. Retrieve incoming mail promptly from your mailbox.

Consider writing “For deposit only” on the back of checks received to limit their negotiability if stolen. Using blue or black gel pens can make it harder for fraudsters to alter check details. For sensitive transactions, exploring alternative payment methods like online bill pay, ACH transfers, or wire transfers can offer enhanced security.