List of things customs looks for
The following is a list of things customs uses to screen for suspicious parcels. A suspicious attribute of a parcel is called a flag. A single flag is often not much of a problem, but the more flags a package has the higher the chances it will be intercepted.
- No return address
- Restrictive markings (such as writing "Personal!" on the envelope)
- Misspelled words
- Poorly typed or written text
- Excessive postage
- Addressed to an incorrect title
- Sent from a foreign country
- Sealed with tape
- Emits a strange odor (Including masking agents such as coffee, perfume and fabric softener sheets)
- Lopsided, uneven, rigid, bulky or otherwise uneven weight distribution
- Oily stains, discolorations and crystallizations on packaging
- Packaging appears to be re-used
- Package looks generally poorly prepared for shipping
- addresses are hand written
- addresses contain mispelled information (such as names, streets or cities)
- Originate from a drug source state
- Are addressed as being sent from an individual to an individual
- Return address ZIP code does not match ZIP code of the post office the package is being sent from
- A fictitious return address is used
- List a sender or receiver name of a common type (Such as John Smith)
- Make use of names that are not connected to either address
- Package makes noise when shaken
- Redistribution of weight is felt when package is moved or tilted
Security tips for recipients
The best option for recipients it to use PO boxes or PMBs obtained with fake identification. Mom and Pop box companies often have poor security compared to franchises, for example they are less likely to require photocopies of the ID and also are less likely to have a camera system, or if they do have a camera system it is probably very poor as compared to a big franchise company. Recipients using PO boxes should wait for a lengthy yet random period of time after the package arrives to attempt retrieval. This waiting period dramatically decreases the chances of being apprehended as prolonged surveillance is very expensive. Disguising efforts should be utilized when retrieving packages, and test runs should also be attempted.Another excellent option is to have packages sent to abandoned buildings or houses. The same security methods should be applied as when using a fraudulently obtained mail box.
If a recipient must have a package delivered to a place connected with them, they should ensure said place is clean between shipments. Clean houses of friends can also be used. Upon receiving a package to a place with connections to the recipient, they should not open it and write return to sender on it. After several days, then the package is safe to be opened. Recipient should NEVER select to have shipping methods which require a package to be signed for.
Regardless of the place the package is delivered, the recipient should opt the quickest shipping method possible so long as a signature is not required. This way if there are delays in shipping, it can alert the recipient, and it will require any interceptor to rush getting warrants prepared before a suspicious delay in package delivery is noticed. Tracked mail with out delivery confirmation is an excellent option, as the recipient can follow the status of the package online (using Tor!) and can be alerted if the package is held by customs for a prolonged period of time.
