When receiving mail or packages from USPS, the carrier may ask for certain things depending on the type of mail shipped to you.
While this does not always happen, it can apply to certain cases, especially if there are specific mail delivery instructions.
Here Is Why USPS Asks For Certain Things Upon Delivery:
USPS may need things upon delivery, such as an adult signature or payment collected. Sometimes, mail may only be received by an authorized person. USPS may ask for an ID, payment, or a signature in these cases. This is to ensure that they deliver the mail correctly and safely.
Can USPS Ask What You’re Shipping?
USPS will not ask for specific details about what you are shipping, but they will ask if you are shipping any hazardous items.
There are certain items that customers cannot ship through USPS, and a post office staff can ask if your package contains any of these items.
This is because these items do not do well in cargo areas of airplanes and trucks.
They can cause damage to other mail pieces and packages. They can also cause injury to personnel who handles the mail. Plus, some of them are illegal items.
Here is a list of items that you cannot ship under any circumstances:
- Air Bags
- Ammunition
- Explosives
- Gasoline
- Marijuana, for medical use or otherwise
USPS may also ask if you are shipping a restricted item. These are items that you are allowed to ship under certain rules and conditions.
Here is a list of restricted items:
- Aerosols
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Cigarettes, Cigars, and Tobacco Products
- Cremated Remains
- Dry Ice
- Firearms
- Glues
- Hand Sanitizer
- Hemp Products, including CBD
- Lithium Batteries
- Live Animals
- Matches
- Medicines and Prescription Drugs
- Nail Polish
- Paint
- Perfumes
- Perishable Items
- Poisons
USPS may also ask what you’re shipping if you classified your package under Media Mail.
Media Mail refers to packages containing media or educational materials, and USPS has a service that offers reduced shipping costs for this.
So if you declare your shipment as Media Mail for lower shipping fees, then USPS can check if the items fall under that classification.
USPS may also open your packages if they feel that you are shipping something illegal. Here are 9 different scenarios where that might happen!
Does USPS Ask For An ID Upon Delivery?
In most cases, USPS does not ask for an ID upon delivery. This is because most mail is just dropped off inside the mailbox.
However, there are some cases where an ID is needed upon delivery.
If the mail requires an adult signature, then the USPS carrier will ask for an ID to ensure that the person receiving the mail is 21 years old and above.
Also, if the mail is under Restricted Delivery, then it means that only the addressee or an authorized representative can receive the mail.
An ID must be presented to the USPS carrier to confirm that the receiver is indeed the addressee or their authorized representative.
Does USPS Ask For An ID When Shipping Or Delivering A Package?
When shipping or delivering a package, USPS may or may not ask for ID, depending on the type of service that you will be availing of.
An ID is not required if you will be shipping regular mail through Priority Mail services. You just have to schedule a pickup or take the package to your local post office and head to the counter.
They will accept your package for shipping without presenting any form of identification.
The same goes if a standard package is being delivered to you. An ID will not be asked unless it is under any USPS services requiring proof of identification.
Here is a list of USPS services that require an ID:
- Caller Service – This service allows the customer to pick up their mail at a post office call window or loading dock when the office is open.
- Certified Mail Services – This service provides the sender with a mailing receipt and electronic verification when there is a delivery item or once the package has been successfully delivered.
- Collect on Delivery – This service is when the receiver must pay the postage.
- Hold Mail – This service lets the customer pick up their mail at the local post office instead of delivering it to their mailbox.
- Priority Mail Express and Accountable Mail – These services require the sender’s ID when shipping a package.
- Signature Services – This service requires an adult signature upon delivery, so an ID must be presented.
Want to know about 6 Payments USPS Will Accept? (+ 9 They Won’t) Check out our article here!
Does USPS Ask For Age?
Some mail requires an adult signature upon delivery. This applies to when the sender avails of the USPS Signature Services upon shipping.
In any case, USPS never asks for the age of the person receiving the mail.
If the mail requires an adult signature, the USPS carrier will ask for a valid photo ID instead of the receiver’s age.
This is because the photo ID is a more accurate way to confirm the receiver’s age.
Does USPS Ask For Redelivery Fees?
Redelivery happens when there is a failed attempt to deliver a package.
If the package was not delivered, the USPS carrier would leave a form in the mailbox so that the receiver would know their options for redelivery.
USPS does not ask for redelivery fees.
Scheduling redelivery is free of charge. They just need to select a date to have the mail or package redelivered to their address.
Alternatively, they can just go to their local post office to pick up the undelivered package.
They just need to present a valid photo ID.
For more information on USPS redelivery, check out our article here!
Does USPS Ask For Money To Redeliver A Package?
When you miss a package delivery, you can schedule redelivery on your preferred date, or you can simply go to your local post office to pick it up.
USPS will not ask for money to redeliver a package. Redelivery is free, and USPS will make up to 2 attempts to deliver a package.
If you get a USPS email or SMS saying you missed a delivery and that you have to pay to have it redelivered, then this is a scam.
If you miss a delivery, USPS will notify you through a form that they attach to the mailbox. They will never email or text you about a failed delivery.
Will The USPS Website Ask For My ATM Pin?
While the USPS website may ask you for personal information, such as your full name, address, and contact details, when shipping a package, it will not ask for your banking information.
The USPS website will never ask for your ATM pin.
When you are setting up a shipment through USPS, that is the only time that you be asked to provide your banking information. The USPS website will ask for your credit card details through a secure page so you can pay postage and shipping fees.
But the website will never ask you for your ATM pin.
Read also:USPS & Airmail: 12 Common Questions (Answered)
Will The USPS Website Ask For My SSN (Social Security Number)?
The Social Security Number or SSN is a 9-digit number assigned to US citizens and legal residents. This number is used to track income and earning history and to check for benefits.
The USPS website will never ask you for your SSN, as SSNs are considered private personal information.
When hackers gain access to your SSN, they can access your bank accounts and even open new accounts under your name. It also allows them to open credit lines and credit cards.
They can take out loans and get your tax return using your name. They can also use your health coverage.
If you get a USPS email asking for your SSN, simply delete the email. Do not provide your SSN or any other personal information, as this puts you at risk of getting hacked.
You can also report this email to USPS.
When Does USPS Deliver Mail and when should you expect delays? (We Checked)
How Do You Know If A USPS Email Or SMS Is Legit?
USPS will never send you an email or text message without you initiating it on the website.
Whenever you want to track shipments, you will be asked to register on the USPS website and provide a tracking number.
You will only receive an email or SMS if you initiated one on the website, and it will NEVER contain a link.
If you get a USPS email or SMS even if you did not initiate a request on the USPS website, then it’s not legit, and it’s likely a scam, so simply ignore the email and delete it.
Sources:
USPS Acceptable Forms Of Identification
Beware Of New Scam Using USPS Name, Citing Delivery “On Hold”