Mail Theft

Mail theft is still one of the most common forms of identity theft out there today.  The reason this is such a target is because of the amount of information that remains unprotected by so many people.  With pre-approved credit card mailers, bills that come on a frequent basis and financial documents that are mailed (bank and credit card statements) criminals can obtained all the information that they need to to form "identity packets" that they can either use or sell to others to use.

However, on top of this many people also use their mailboxes so that they can send out their bills.  This is like gold to criminals because it gives them access to all of your check information.  A check not only contains you name, address, and phone number, but also your bank account number and the routing number for the bank on the bottom of the check.  This is more than enough information for someone to create counterfeit checks, use your account information to their own ends, or simply "wash" the check so that the check is written to the name of the crook.

Mail is extemely important, but luckily there are more ways to protect yourself.  I suggest that if you have a mailbox that is not secured that you contact you local post office and ask them for a list of approved locking mailboxes.  These mailboxes will allow you to receive mail, but keep unwanted hands away from your bank statements and personal information.  Also, if you must send your bills through the mail then drop them off at the post office; however, I would suggest using online bill pay.  Some people fear this because they are afraid of hackers.  Please note: If there is a hacker good enough to get into the banks, which is HIGHLY unlikely, it wouldn't matter if you use their online services or not when they steal information.

This is a small glance at security of mail, but this is also what can commonly be done to inform people about possible dangers and remedies.  If you have the desire to learn more you can find out more with the United States Postal Inspectors website:

https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/