Identifying Suspicious Mail - Canadian Bomb Data Centre

Indicators for identifying a suspicious letter or package

There are a number of indicators that suggest the possibility of suspicious mail. Knowing what mail usually arrives, when it comes, and what it looks like is one of the best safeguards.

Letter or package indicators

• Excessive weight or thickness for the size of the envelope or package
• The feel of springiness, metallic components or stiffeners inside
• Small holes, protruding wires, string or metal foil
• Unusual odours, oily or greasy stains on packaging
• Rigid or lopsided letter or package
• Excessive weight
• Excessive securing material such as masking tape or string

Postage or address indicators

• Excessive postage
• Unusual or unexpected point of origin, indecipherable or no return address
• No return address
• Restrictive markings such as Confidential, Personal, To be opened only by..., Rush, Special delivery or Do not delay delivery
• Hand-written or poorly-typed address
• Visual distractions
• Inaccuracies in address or titles or titles without names
• Misspelling of common words

Printable Poster: Warning – Letter and Package Bomb Indicators

A printable poster for your mail room is available as a PDF file.

Warning – Letter and Package Bomb Indicators (PDF)