For years, I have relied on a little-known remarkable service provided free by USPS called Informed Delivery. This service is a game changer when it comes to the way you interact with your incoming mail by offering a digital preview. That means you’ll know what is supposed to hit your mailbox in case you don’t get it.
Do you have an important check coming in the mail you would rather intercept before a mail thief gets their hands on it? In my case, I’ve been able to check with a neighbor after my letter carrier misdelivered our mail that I knew should have arrived already. Follow these steps to get a more informed mailing experience.
How to set up Informed Delivery on USPS
First, sign up for an account on the USPS website
You can head to this link to sign up for Informed Delivery. You’ll need to confirm that your home address is eligible for Informed Delivery. Provide your residential address to check if your zip code is eligible, which most are. The main reason you wouldn’t be eligible to sign up for Informed Delivery is that your address hasn’t been uniquely coded by the USPS, which occasionally happens with high-density cities with a lot of apartment buildings.
Credit: USPS
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Next, verify your identity
You’ll need to verify your personal identity and address before your account is completed. If you’re unable to verify your account online, you’ll be given the option to pursue in-person identity verification.
Select “Opt-in” under this option, and you’ll see a list of USPS facilities near your zip code location that are able to verify your identity in person. If you end up having to go in person, you’ll need to make sure to bring two forms of Identification, one of which must contain a photograph.
Utilize your dashboard and set up Daily Digest emails
My favorite part about using this feature from USPS is that you can receive emails daily that include up to 10 letter-sized pieces of mail you’re scheduled to receive that day. You can see past the first 10 letters if you visit your dashboard.
What the preview includes
You can see images of your incoming letter-sized mail (grayscale, address side only) only if they are processed through USPS automated equipment.
Credit: USPS
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Why use Informed Delivery
Not only can you get a preview of letters that are on their way to your mailbox, but you can also manage packages using the Informed Delivery service. Here are some of my favorite reasons to use this service.
Be informed
If you’re out of town or expecting a specific letter, wouldn’t it be extremely reassuring to get an email in the morning with a photo of it so you know it’s headed to your mailbox? You can also be prepared if a letter you’re expecting doesn’t seem to be arriving at the time you were expecting – without having to wait for that actual delivery.
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How to track and sign for your packages online
As I mentioned, you can also manage packages through this digital portal. Not only can you keep an eye on when their anticipated delivery date is and where they currently are on their route, but you can also get alerts when a package has been delivered or delayed. If you’re receiving a package that requires your signature, you can use USPS Electronic Signature Online with some services that require a signature upon delivery, but not all.
How to remove yourself from the web so spammers don’t get your address
Every day, data brokers profit from your sensitive information, collecting hundreds of details like your phone number, date of birth, social security number, address, interests, and even your vehicle VIN. They sell this information to the highest bidder. Best case scenario: companies target you with ads. Worst case: scammers and identity thieves exploit it. Incogni scrubs your personal data from the web, confronting data brokers on your behalf. Personal data including: name, age, home address, phone number, email addresses, your family members, other people associated with you, your income range, credit score range, political preferences, criminal record and more.
Unlike other services, Incogni removes your sensitive information from all types of brokers, including tricky People Search Sites – preventing stalkers and fraudsters from getting your information.
- Incogni removes your data from 175+ people search sites and hundreds of data brokers.
- Makes your details harder to find online and keeps your private data off the dark web.
- Helps stop frauds, scams, stalkers, robocalls, and spammers.
- Add up to 3 emails, 3 home addresses and 3 phone numbers (U.S. citizens only) and have them removed from data-broker databases
- You’ll receive regular progress reports.
Special for CyberGuy Readers (60% off): Incogni offers A 30-day money-back guarantee and then charges a special CyberGuy discount only through the links in this article of $5.99/month for one person (billed annually) or $13.19/month for your family (up to 4 people) on their annual plan and get a fully automated data removal service, including recurring removal from 175+ data brokers. I recommend the family plan because it works out to only $4.12 per person per month for year-round coverage. It’s an excellent service, and I highly recommend at least trying it out to see what it’s all about.
Credit: USPS
Kurt’s key takeaways
Informed Delivery from USPS is truly a game changer for managing your incoming mail. It provides a digital preview that keeps you updated and reassured, allowing you to track packages, receive daily email digests, and even sign for packages online without being home. It’s a super convenient and efficient way to stay informed and organized.
What other innovative services or tech have you discovered that have transformed the way you interact with everyday tasks or services? Let us know by commenting below.
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