
Sometimes, even the way in which the parcel is packaged (if done sloppily or with excessive tape, for example) can indicate that something is wrong with that piece of mail. There might not be a return address, an indicator that the sender doesn’t want to be identified or doesn’t expect the package to be returned. For example, keep an eye out for misspellings or distorted handwriting on labeling, which indicate unfamiliarity with the subject. What to look forĭue to the nature of suspicious packages, they often don’t look like official or expected mail. Through the work of these organizations-and others like them-we have put together a step-by-step plan to make sure that your organization is resilient against the threat of suspicious packages. Package bombs, poisonings, and other attacks are nothing new, and organizations like the ATF and FBI report on such events regularly. While instances of dangerous mail such as poisoned letters and mail bombs are extremely rare, their frequency has been on the rise in recent years, according to one ATF report.
#SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE SERIAL#
For those of us in Austin, Texas, memories of the 2018 serial package bombing spree are still fresh, and many residents remain apprehensive about opening unexpected mail after experiencing a prolonged public safety crisis. The above scenario is but one of the multitude of ways by which suspicious packages can threaten your business and people. Fauci himself noted that if that powder was indeed a poison such as ricin, he would almost certainly have been killed. Thankfully, the white powder was tested and deemed harmless, but Dr. As he tore open the envelope, a puff of white powder burst from the parcel and floated onto his face and mouth, causing a scare that stoked concerns over the health and safety of the country’s top doctor. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, opened a letter while sitting at his desk.
Any letters or packages arriving before or after a phone call from an unknown person asking if the item was received.Īgain, knowing the type of mail that your department receives will help you to determine what is "suspicious".At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Dr. Pressure or resistance noted when removing contents from an envelope or package. Irregular shape, soft spots, bulges or sloshing sounds. Unprofessionally wrapped with several combinations of tape used to secure the package, wrapped in string or endorsed "Fragile-Handle With Care", "Rush-Do Not Delay", "To Be Opened in the Privacy of", "Your Lucky Day is Here" or "Prize Enclosed.". Package may feel rigid, or appear uneven or lopsided. Excessive postage or no postage at all. Cancellation or postmark may show a different location than the return address. Protruding wires, aluminum foil, or oil stains and may emit a peculiar odor. Distorted handwriting or the name and address may be prepared with homemade labels or cut-and-paste lettering. Mail that is inconsistent with the types of mail normally received. Unusual or unverifiable return addresses. Powders, oily stains, discolorations or strange odors. Incorrect or non-existent departments or position titles. No return address or nonsensical return address. Addressee's name or title may be inaccurate. Handwritten or poorly typed addresses, especially those in hand printed block lettering. These characteristics are important when the addressee does not usually receive personal mail at the office.
Restricted endorsements such as "Personal", "Private", or "Addressee Only". The following indicators may make a person deem a package "suspicious": Call the Harvard University Police Department and follow their instructions and wait for their arrival.Īwareness of what may be suspicious: Please understand that your knowledge of the types of mail your department receives will help you to identify what is out of the ordinary. Wash your hands immediately with soap and water. Evacuate the area, close the room and prevent further access.
Avoid further handling and isolate item as best possible. obvious contamination or specific written threats): If you identify a suspicious letter or package: If you encounter a suspicious package or letter, your best protection is your knowledge of the types of mail you normally handle and your awareness of some of the following procedures: Mail handlers who receive mail that they have suspicions about should contact the Harvard University Police Department at 61 immediately.