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Trust, but verify

USPS Hold Mail to improve online security

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Starting in October, customers who go online to place their mail on hold will be required to verify their identity.

The USPS Hold Mail online service will be improved in early October to strengthen security and help customers better protect their information.

Hold Mail allows customers to place their mail on hold for 3-30 days. To place mail on hold, customers can visit a Post Office and fill out PS Form 8076, Authorization to Hold Mail; call 800-ASK-USPS; or submit an online request.

Currently, online requests don’t require identity verification.

Starting in October, customers who go online to place their mail on hold will be required to create a usps.com account or sign in to their account and verify their identity.

A prompt will ask customers to verify their identity through a two-step verification process that requires a mobile device. Once verified, customers can make a Hold Mail request.

Customers also will be given the option to sign up for Informed Delivery.

Customers who fail the online verification process can get a verification code in the mail or visit a Post Office.

Customers who have questions can call a USPS Customer Care Center at 800-344-7779.

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