How to File USPS Complaints: Misconduct, Fraud, & More

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Learn where and how to fill out postal service complaint forms
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Because different agencies handle different types of US Postal Service complaints, it can be hard to figure out who you need to contact about what. Don't worry—in this article, we’ll walk you through how to file complaints with the post office, including general customer service complaints, employee misconduct, mail fraud and theft, and complaints about policy changes. Plus, we interviewed etiquette coach Tami Claytor to give you tips on how to write a complaint letter.

Filing Complaints with USPS: Quick Steps

  • To make a general customer service complaint, fill out the complaint form on USPS’s website.
  • To report employee misconduct, fill out the complaint form on the USPS Office of the Inspector General’s website.
  • To report mail fraud or theft, fill out the form on the US Postal Inspection Service’s website.
  • To complain about a policy change, fill out the form on the Postal Regulatory Commission's website.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Filing a Customer Service Complaint

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  1. The USPS has a form available on their website where you can ask questions or submit complaints about packages or mail, USPS postal facilities, USPS personnel, or the operation of the USPS website. Visit their Email Us page and provide your tracking number or select the reason for your inquiry to complete the form. [1]
    • The complaint form provides categories you can use to further identify the subject of your complaint. There are blanks for names, dates, locations, and additional information. However, there is a character limit of 4,000 characters, and you cannot attach documents to the form.
    • When filing a complaint, Claytor says, “Be very clear about what you're dissatisfied with. Only state the facts, not the emotion. You may be extremely upset and distraught, but whoever you're sending this letter of complaint to doesn't need that because it's going to overshadow the real issue.”
    • Once you make your complaint, click through to the contact information page. You can choose to receive a response by email or phone.

    Variation: You can also call USPS customer service at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). Phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. [2]

  2. A customer service agent will evaluate your complaint and contact you by email or phone according to the selection you make in your complaint form. You can provide them with additional information, if necessary, and they will attempt to resolve the situation.
    • Generally, it’s better to ask for a response by email rather than phone so you can maintain a record of your interactions with USPS customer service.
    • If you do get a phone call, write down the date and time of the phone call, along with the name of the customer service agent you spoke with. Take notes during the call so you have a record of what they said.
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  3. If the USPS customer service agent is unable to resolve your complaint to your satisfaction, visit your local post office to speak to the station manager in person. Bring any notes or evidence you have regarding the subject of your complaint with you when you go in. [3]
    • If you’re not sure which post office to go to, search locations on USPS’s website .
  4. The USPS Consumer Advocate represents consumers and resolves postal service problems. Use the USPS office locator to find a local office, then draft a formal business letter outlining your issues and the steps that you’ve taken so far to resolve it. Send the letter and any related documents to United States Postal Service, Office of the Consumer Advocate, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20260-2200. [4]
    • Give your letter a thorough proofread, and remember to sign it. Make a copy of your signed letter for your records.
    • When ending a formal complaint letter , Claytor suggests using a phrase like “Thank you for your time” or “Thank you for your consideration.”
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Reporting Misconduct by a USPS Employee

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  1. To submit a complaint about employee misconduct, you’ll need the name of the employee, as well as specific details about what they are doing. This could include dates and times, as well as details about any criminal activity you observed. [5]
    • The USPS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) primarily investigates complaints about misconduct or criminal activity on the part of USPS employees or contractors. These crimes typically include fraud, embezzlement, or theft or destruction of mail.
  2. Access the complaint form on the OIG’s website, and read through the information at the top of the page to make sure you’re sending your complaint to the right industry. The form will ask for specific information about the incident you want to report, including whether you have first-hand knowledge of the situation. Provide as many details and specific facts as you can. [6]
    • You have the option of remaining anonymous when submitting your complaint, but if you choose this option, the OIG will have no way to contact you if necessary.
    • Claytor suggests organizing the details of your complaint as bullet points to be clear and concise.
    • You have the opportunity to review your form before you submit it.

    Variations: You can also file a complaint by calling 1-888-USPS-OIG (1-888-877-7644), or by mailing a complaint to ATTN: HOTLINE, USPS OIG, 1735 North Lynn Street, Arlington, VA 22209-2020.

  3. In most cases, you will not hear from the OIG at all after you file your complaint, other than a confirmation that your complaint was received. However, an investigator may contact you if they have additional questions or want to talk to you about your complaint. Keep in mind that the OIG will not give you any information about the subject of your complaint or the status of the investigation. [7]
    • If the OIG’s office refers the matter to another law enforcement agency, they will typically let you know. You may be contacted by an agent at that agency.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Reporting Mail Fraud or Theft

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  1. Go to the reporting page on USPIS’s website to fill out an online complaint. Click on the proper category for your complaint to access the form. Include as much detailed information in your complaint as possible, as USPIS will better be able to help you if you provide complete and accurate information. [8]
    • For example, if you fell victim to a scam sweepstakes, you would file a complaint for mail fraud.
    • Keep all original documents you have that are related to your complaint, and note in your complaint that you have them.

    Variation: You can also submit your complaint over the phone. Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).

  2. It is unlikely that you will hear from the USPIS after your complaint is filed. However, an inspector may call with questions or ask to see any documents you have that are related to your complaint. The USPIS also shares complaint information with other law enforcement agencies, so it’s possible one of them may contact you for additional information about your complaint. [9]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Complaining About a Policy Change

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  1. If you want to complain about a USPS policy change, such as postal rates, visit PRC’s website and fill out the form on their contact page . This form will ask for your contact information and provide space for you to list your comments or complaints. The PRC may forward your complaint to the USPS, and the postal service will respond directly to you within 45 days of their findings. [10]
    • The PRC will receive a copy of the USPS’s response so they can verify that the problem was handled appropriately.

Post Office Complaint Letter Template

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  • Question
    Can you sue a post office?
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    Yes, under the right circumstances. For example, if you slip and injure yourself in a post office, you could sue them for negligence under the Federal Tort Claims Act. You’d need to file the claim within 2 years after the injury.
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    Who do you complain to about your mail carrier?
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    Write to the USPS Consumer Advocate office at: United States Postal Service Office of the Consumer Advocate 475 L’ Enfant Plaza, SW Washington, D.C. 20260
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    Is it legal for someone to put something in my mailbox?
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    In the U.S., it is only legal for U.S. Postal Service employees to put items in mailboxes. The items must have paid postage on them. That means not just anybody can come and put items in your mailbox, especially non-mail items.
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      • Remember to focus on the facts when filing a complaint. Be as polite and precise as possible and avoid using angry or crude language.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://emailus.usps.com/s/?_gl=1*cbvfpd*_ga*NDc3OTMwNTExLjE3MzYyNjgxNjM.*_ga_QM3XHZ2B95*MTczNjI3NDIzMC4yLjEuMTczNjI3NDI3OC4wLjAuMA..*_gcl_au*MTg5NzA1NDI3NC4xNzM2MjY4MTYz*_ga_3NXP3C8S9V*MTczNjI3NDIzMC4yLjEuMTczNjI3NDI3OC4wLjAuMA ..
      2. ↑ https://www.prc.gov/consumer-assistance
      3. ↑ https://www.usa.gov/complaints-against-government
      4. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/USPS-Mailing-Addresses-for-Consumers
      5. ↑ https://www.uspsoig.gov/hotline
      6. ↑ https://www.uspsoig.gov/hotline
      7. ↑ https://uspsoig.gov/hotline
      8. ↑ https://www.uspis.gov/report/
      9. ↑ https://www.uspis.gov/report/
      1. ↑ https://www.prc.gov/contact

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you’ve had a bad experience with the USPS, you can file a complaint online. Just go to their website and fill out the online complaint form. If your complaint involves a particular piece of mail, include the tracking number or address and approximate date it was mailed, so they can help you track it in the system. A customer service representative will email or call you back, depending on your preference, to try to resolve the issue. If you’re still dissatisfied, speak to the station manager of your local post office in person to get to the bottom of it. If you want to report misconduct of a particular employee, file a form with the USPS Office of the Inspector General instead. Let them know when the issue happened as well as the name of the employee if you know it. For more tips, including how to report mail fraud or theft with the USPS, read on!

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