One indicator of a suspicious package or piece of mail includes inappropriate or unusual labeling, such as: Excessive postage. Misspelled common words. No return address or strange return address.
Powders, oily stains, discolorations or strange odors. Unusual or unverifiable return addresses. Mail that is inconsistent with the types of mail normally received. Distorted handwriting or the name and address may be prepared with homemade labels or cut-and-paste lettering.
Explosive or incendiary items will usually have some bulk, possibly disguised in a jiffy bag or postal tube. If the weight seems excessive for the size it may be suspect. can smell of marzipan or almonds) but this may be masked by perfume or aftershave. Any strong smell should be viewed suspiciously.
Some typical characteristics that ought to trigger suspicion include objects that: Have any powdery substance on the outside. Are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you. Have excessive postage, handwritten or poorly typed address, incorrect titles or titles with no name, or misspellings of common words.
Characteristics of Suspicious Mail:
Potential elements of suspicious mail are: Fictitious, unfamiliar, or no return address. Hand written or poorly typed address. Address to a title only or an incorrect title.
As consumers, please keep in mind that suspicious mail and packages can bear any of these characteristics: Are sent unexpectedly or from someone unfamiliar to you. Are addressed to former employees or use improper job titles. Have no return address or cannot be verified as legitimate.
An article may have protruding wires, aluminum foil, powder-like substance, or oil stains, and may emit a peculiar odor or sound. Mail bombs may have excessive postage or use foreign postage. The return address may be fictitious or non-existent.
Suspicious packages or articles might reflect distorted handwriting or the name and address might be prepared with homemade labels or cut-and-paste lettering. Suspicious packages or articles might have protruding wires, aluminum foil or oil stains visible, and might emit a peculiar odor.
If you believe that an item is suspicious, the “4Cs” protocol should be applied - CONFIRM, CLEAR, COMMUNICATE and CONTROL. Is it HIDDEN? Has the item been deliberately concealed or is it obviously hidden from view?
Be careful. If you suspect you have received a suspicious package, isolate the item, maintain a safe distance from the item, wash your hands, and immediately call Postal Inspectors at 1-877-876-2455 and state “emergency.” If medical attention is warranted, contact local authorities immediately.
Explanation: In Army Anti-Terrorism Level 1 training, length of employment is not considered an early indicator of a potential insider threat.
If you see a suspicious package, remain calm, do not open or touch it, isolate the area, and report it to the authorities. Washing hands is good hygiene, but the priority should be on immediate safety. Following these steps helps protect you and others around you.
A suspicious item is anything such as a package or a vehicle that has indications that it might contain an explosive device or hazardous material. It may be suspiciously placed in proximity to people or valuable assets, and it could have characteristics like wires, electronics or unusual sounds, powders or odors.
The 4 C's security refers to a framework comprising four essential elements: Concealment, Control, Communication, and Continuity. These elements collectively contribute to fortifying security measures and safeguarding assets, premises, and individuals against potential threats and risks.
Unusual package dimensions are not typically regarded as a sign of a suspicious package, unlike no return address, lopsided or uneven shapes, or protruding wires or tin foil.
Mail shows oily stains or discoloration. Letter or package seems heavy or bulky for its size and may have an irregular shape, soft spots, or bulges.
Examples that could indicate a bomb include unexplainable wires or electronics, other visible bomb-like components, and unusual sounds, vapors, mists, or odors. Generally speaking, anything that is Hidden, Obviously suspicious, and not Typical (HOT) should be deemed suspicious.
Unusual or excessive weight, strange or unexpected odor, and excessive packaging material are possible indicators of a suspicious letter or package.
For a fee, USPS Package Intercept® lets the sender or recipient stop delivery or redirect a package, letter, or flat that is not out for delivery or already delivered. Most domestic mailings with a tracking or extra services barcode are eligible for Package Intercept. You can only request a Package Intercept online.
Have protruding wires, aluminum foil, powder-like substance, or oil stains, and emit a peculiar odor or sound. Have excessive or foreign postage. Have a fictitious or non-existent return address. Have a postmark with a different location than the return address.