U.S. POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE
NOTICE # 71, MARCH 1990
The likelihood of your ever receiving a bomb in the mail is remote. Unfortunately, however, a small number of explosive devices have been mailed over the years resulting in death, injury, and destruction of property.
What can you do to help prevent a mail bomb disaster? First, consider whether you or your organization could be a possible target. Some motives for mail bombs include revenge, extortion, love triangles, terrorism, and business disputes.
Keep in mind that a bomb can be enclosed in either a parcel or an envelope, and its outward appearance is limited only by the imagination of the sender. However, mail bombs have some unique characteristics which may assist you in identifying a suspect mailing. To apply these factors, it is important to know the type of mail your organization and your home receive.
Mail bombs may bear restricted endorsements such as "Personal" or "Private." This factor is important when the
addressee does not usually receive personal mail at the office. Addressee's name/title may be inaccurate. Mail bombs may reflect/distorted handwriting or the name and address may be prepared with homemade labels or
cut-and-paste lettering. Mail bombs may have protruding wires, aluminum foil, or oil stains and may emit a peculiar odor. Cancellation or postmark may show a different location than the return address. Mail bombs may have excessive postage. Letter bombs may feel rigid, or appear uneven or lopsided. Parcel bombs may be unprofessionally wrapped with several combinations of tape used to secure the package and may
be endorsed "Fragile Handle With Care" or "Rush Do Not Delay." Package bombs may have an irregular shape, soft spots, or bulges. Package bombs may make a buzzing or ticking noise or a sloshing sound. Pressure or resistance may be noted when removing contents from an envelope or parcel.IF YOU ARE SUSPICIOUS OF A MAILING AND ARE UNABLE TO VERIFY THE CONTENTS WITH THE ADDRESSEE OR SENDER:
1. Do not open the article. 2. Isolate the mailing and evacuate the immediate area. 3. Do not put in water or a confined space such as a desk drawer or filing cabinet. 4. If possible, open windows in the immediate area to assist in venting potential explosive gases. 5. If you have any reason to believe a letter or parcel is suspicious, do not take a chance or worry about possible
embarrassment if the item turns out to be innocent instead, contact your local police department and Postal Inspector for
professional assistance.