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There are numerous regulations governing what items can be mailed in the United States.
Certain items such as ammunition, explosives, and marijuana are prohibited from mailing. Additionally, there are established restrictions concerning batteries, alcohol, animals, and cigarettes.
This raises the question: what about mailing cash?
Mailing cash is permitted for legitimate reasons, but if you intend to send more than $500, it is a requirement to use Registered Mail, as stated by the U.S. Postal Service. The service offers additional advice for safely sending money through the mail.
Here’s what you need to be aware of before mailing cash, whether as a gift for a birthday or to settle a bill in Arizona.
When is It Acceptable to Mail Cash According to the Postal Service?
Sending cash carries significant risk, as mail can sometimes be lost, stolen, or damaged, cautions the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
The agency advises, “Customers should never send cash in the mail,” as part of a news release issued late last year during their “Don’t Get Snowed By Holiday Scams” campaign, aimed at preventing consumer fraud.
The risk of theft often targets letter carriers, who may face criminal attempts to steal mail and packages.
In some cases, postal employees have been involved in these thefts. A notable instance involved a former USPS supervisor in Connecticut who pleaded guilty to obstruction of mails after stealing cash and gift cards from envelopes.
Victims of mail theft are encouraged to report incidents online to the authorities.
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What Alternative Does USPS Recommend?
The U.S. Postal Service suggests utilizing money orders as a more secure alternative to cash or checks when sending funds through the mail.
Money orders from USPS have no expiration date and can be acquired at any Post Office, according to the information available on the USPS website.
The receipt given with a money order assists in tracking payments and serves as proof of value in the event it is lost, stolen, or damaged.
How Much Insurance Coverage Is Available for Cash Sent via Registered Mail?
When sending cash through Registered Mail, you can purchase insurance coverage up to $50,000, the USPS website states, clarifying that for any amount exceeding $50,000, total value must be declared, though insurance can cap at $50,000.
For other mailing options that are not registered, the indemnity limit stands at $15 for currency, bullion, or negotiable items, as noted by the postal service.
Negotiable items refer to items that can be converted to cash without the need for forgery.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Is it illegal to send cash through the mail? US Postal Service rules
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