October 26, 2001—Pitney Bowes has provided tips on how companies can better secure their mail through metering technology and incoming and outgoing tracking solutions. Generally speaking, suspicious packages and letters use stamps, not meters; and customers who want their mail to be opened are more likely to use meters. “Metered mail can help companies easily identify the place of mailing for an envelope or a package. It is important that companies take precautions, so they do not have to experience needless anxiety. This includes teaching their employees how to identify a professional piece of mail versus one that could be suspect.” said Michael J. Critelli, Chairman and CEO Pitney Bowes Inc.
Pitney Bowes also has incoming and outgoing tracking technology through their delivery management solutions. The incoming solutions enable customers to track mail from the point of delivery at their building to the final recipient, with electronic signature confirmation. And, like metered mail, outgoing packages can also be traced back to their point of mailing.
Pitney Bowes has offered the following signs that the mail has been tampered with:
- Words that prompt you to immediately open the letter or package: “Confidential”, “Personal”, “Fragile”
- Excessive postage, using postage stamps as opposed to a meter
- Wrong title of employee or titles without names
- Addresses that are poorly typed, handwritten or contain misspellings
- Oily stains, strange odors or powdery substances
- Return address not consistent with the state from which it was postmarked, or no return address
- Exceptionally large or lopsided parcels
- Envelopes where the flap is taped or parcels with excessive wrapping material such as masking tape, strapping tape or string
Procedures for increasing mail center safety:
- Conducting a background check prior to hiring an employee
- Keep the mail center secure by doing things such as locking doors to unauthorized personnel
- Maintain a sign-in sheet, including the times of the person’s arrival and departure
- Escort visitors to and from their destination within the mail center
- Encourage employees to notify a manager if another employee fails to adhere to the established mail center procedures
- Window/counter hours should be scheduled, with hours displayed outside of the mail center
- “Authorized Personnel Only” signs should be posted on outside doors
For additional information, contact Pitney Bowes.
