Obstruction of Correspondence — Taking of Mail is a criminal offense involving the intentional interference of the transfer of mail. It involves the act of taking mail from a mail receptacle, mailbox, post office, or other place where mail is deposited, or from any person or conveyance carrying the mail, without the consent of the sender or receiver. It is a federal offense in the United States and can result in a fine and/or imprisonment. There are several types of Obstruction of Correspondence — Taking of Mail, including: mail theft, tampering with mail, and the interception of mail. Mail theft is taking a letter or package from a mailbox without the mail recipient's authorization. Tampering with mail involves opening, altering, or defacing it. Interception of mail involves intercepting or attempting to intercept a letter or package without the sender or recipient's authorization.