Final answer:
To prevent mail room fraud, USPS and FBI use x-ray generators to irradiate suspicious mail, which may alter its appearance without making it radioactive. Personal precautions should also be taken like protecting credit cards and using strong passwords.
Step-by-step explanation:
Preventing Mail Room Fraud
To prevent mail room fraud, various controls are implemented to ensure safety and security. The United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have taken measures against potential mail-related bioterrorism by installing x-ray generators. These devices can effectively irradiate and kill most bacteria and some viruses in suspicious mail, which includes both packages and letters. It is important to note that irradiation may cause changes in the mail's color, texture, and smell due to chemical alterations in the paper, but it does not make the mail radioactive.
In addition to these measures, personal precautions should be taken such as protecting your credit and debit cards, securing your mailbox, safeguarding your wallet, using strong passwords and PINs, employing anti-virus software on your computer, and notifying your bank of any address or phone changes. These steps help in preventing personal mail fraud and securing sensitive information.