Real Mail Hold vs Mail-Redirection Fraud
How to tell a genuine postal mail-hold or redirection service from a fraudulent redirection that diverts your correspondence to a criminal.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Mail-redirection fraud occurs when someone fraudulently redirects your post to their address, intercepting bank statements, new cards, and government correspondence. The fraud is silent — you may notice only when important mail stops arriving. The comparison below helps you detect and prevent it.
Side-by-side comparison
| Real mail hold or redirect | Mail-redirection fraud | |
|---|---|---|
| Who initiates | You apply for a redirect or hold via your postal service's official site using your own details | Someone else applies using your address details without your knowledge |
| Notification | Postal service sends a confirmation to your current address before redirection begins | No notification to you; mail simply stops arriving at your address |
| Verification | Application requires proof of identity or a code sent to the address being redirected from | Fraudster may use weak identity verification loopholes if the postal service's controls are inadequate |
| Mail received | You receive your mail at the new address you chose | Intercepted mail (bank cards, statements, government letters) goes to the fraudster |
| Discovery | Change is visible in your postal account; you chose it | Discovered only when bills, cards, or HMRC/IRS letters stop arriving |
Common red flags
- Important mail (bank statements, cards, HMRC/IRS letters) stops arriving without explanation
- You receive a postal service confirmation for a redirect you did not request
- New bank card or government document does not arrive by the expected date
- Unknown redirect listed when you log into your postal service account
Verification steps
- Log into your postal service account to check for any active redirections you did not set up
- Alert your bank if cards or statements stop arriving
- Place a mail-hold or confirm your address directly with your postal service
- Set up paperless statements so account information cannot be intercepted physically
What not to do
- Don't ignore unexplained gaps in your regular mail
- Don't assume mail delays are just postal service issues if bank or official letters are affected
- Don't share your address history or previous addresses with unverified parties
A safe response
If you suspect fraudulent redirection, contact your postal service immediately to cancel the redirect and restore your delivery. Alert your bank and any other senders of sensitive correspondence, and consider placing a fraud alert with your credit bureau.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly does mail-redirection fraud take effect?
A fraudulent redirect can take effect within a few days of submission, meaning your mail can start disappearing rapidly. The fastest sign is usually not receiving a bank card or bill you were expecting. Regular postal account checks are the best early warning.