[TriLUG] OT: Mail Barcodes, Amazon Barcodes

[Cristóbal Palmer via TriLUG]

On Thu, Feb 15, 2024, at 15:04, Alan Sterger via TriLUG wrote:
> Hi Luggers,

👋🏼


> 2) How long does USPS mail/Amazon barcodes remain relevant?  After 
> delivery, assume they would age out.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelligent_Mail_barcode

http://postalpro.usps.com/mailing/intelligent-mail-barcode

While the tracking data would be irrelevant, the address is still there. See specifically “IMb Routing Code”

As for cost of a scanner, anyone with either an Android or iOS device and a functional camera on that device has access to multiple apps that will read not just IMb, but a range of shipping and logistics barcode standards. If you want to buy a dedicated hardware device that promises to read IMb and seems credible based on the reviews, it looks like you’ll pay about $35 before shipping for a basic wired model or $55 for a model with WiFi.

I think if your threat model includes people going through your trash as part of their surveillance of you, you should assume they have the competency required to decode any and all barcodes, but maybe ask what they’re going to do with that information if they’re already coming to your driveway to steal your trash? In my case the statistically most likely invader of my trash is a raccoon, and the likely downside of not being careful about how I process waste before it leaves the house is a smelly mess.

Good luck!