Each box has dispatch times printed on a label, and it will point you to the location for the latest pickup time in your area. If using the Postal Service’s outside blue collection boxes, never deposit mail after the last dispatch time. If that is not feasible, the next safest way is to use the inside collection slots that deposit mail directly into the Post Office. In a list of tips, they also suggest, 'The most secure way to send mail is through the local Post Office retail counter. Mail, instead of depositing it to sit outside overnight or through the weekend, blue collection boxes would not be as enticing after business hours to mail thieves for identity theft and check-washing schemes.' So what should customers do? The USPS advises, 'If customers simply used retail service or inside wall drop slots to send their U.S. The agency stated, 'The biggest variable enticing these criminals to steal are customers depositing mail into blue collection boxes after the last collection of the day or during Sundays and federal holidays.'

In a press release, the USPS explained that the collection bins have become hot spots for criminals looking to steal identities or checks, especially at specific times and on specific days. However, the USPS is now warning would-be mailers that the blue boxes might not be the best option. The United States Postal Service has made mailing letters easy by placing their blue collection bins on thousands of streets and corners across America, allowing many customers to walk just a few blocks to send off their mail, rather than having to make a trip to the local post office.

Usps drop box