Guest post- Unlocked Mailboxes Can Expose You to Identity Theft!

Identity theft strikes fear into the heart of
almost everyone. Whether this theft occurs online or through paper documents,
stopping the theft and then preventing further violations can be time consuming
and costly in more than one way. And, did you know that identity theft can
originate in unlocked mailboxes? You assume the check you are mailing is
safe.However, in 2012, 85% of victims of identity theft cited fraudulent use of
existing account information, such as credit cards or bank account information.
This type of information can be easily obtained from stolen mail. So, what are the best ways to prevent identity theft in the first place? Here are ways to protect
yourself and your mail from theft.



Money in the Mail



You might think that there is no harm in slipping
a five-dollar bill in a card, but it is a good rule of thumb to never send cash
in the mail. It is easily taken and untraceable.



However, many send money
through the mail as a means of payment for an assortment of bills. If you decide
to opt out of electronic payments, be sure to use checks or money orders to pay
those utility bills and mortgage payments. Using this method, you will be able to track when
the check is cashed and both are more difficult for a thief to cash. If you
happen to be on the receiving end, and you are expecting a check or other
valuable in the mail and it is taking longer than expected to arrive, contact
the issuing agency immediately. In order to stop or prevent identity theft, a
stop may need to be put on a particular check or an account might need to be
frozen. If there is a breach, the sooner this is done, the better.



Location of the Mail



As mentioned above, many people still pay their
bills by mailing checks. While this is a traditional — and completely
acceptable means of making a payment — it is imperative that any mailed check be
sent through a mail slot or box at the local post office, via a locked mailbox
or handed directly to a mail carrier. In contrast, placing a check in an open
mailbox will leave you vulnerable to identity theft.

You also want to make sure that mail sent to
you arrives at your current address. So, if you move, it is important to immediately
notify your post office and anyone you do business with that you have a new mailing
address. This will help avoid any sensitive materials falling into the hands of
those living at your previous address.



Timing of the Mail



If you do use an unlocked mailbox, like the
ones attached to homes or at the end of driveways, be sure to promptly remove any
mail after each delivery. This is especially important if you are expecting
checks, credit cards or other negotiable items. If you would not be home when the
items are expected, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail and
hold it until you can retrieve it from them.



If you are going on vacation or will be away
from your home for an extended amount of time, have your local post office hold
your mail. You will then be able to collect it from the post office when you
return. This will not only keep your mail safe but will also prevent passers-by
from noticing that you are away due to the accumulation of mail in your box.



Another option is to install a locked mailbox,
allowing only those with a key to retrieve the contents. Multi-mailbox units,
similar to those used at apartment complexes, as well as single locked
mailboxes can be purchased at http://www.nationalmailboxes.com/commercial/. You can also consult with your local
postmaster for the most up-to-date regulations on mailboxes, including the
availability of locked centralized or curbside mailboxes.



But you do not have to fight mail theft alone. You
can also partner with your neighbors to start a neighborhood watch program. By
exchanging work and vacation schedules with trusted friends and neighbors, you
can watch each other's mailboxes as well as homes when you or others are away.
And, if you do observe a mail thief, be sure to call the local
police immediately, and then call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at (877)
876-2455.



While identity theft can happen to anyone,
there are steps you can take to prevent it and lessen your vulnerabilities. So,
be sure to mail all sensitive materials through locked or official post office
mailboxes and look into installing a locked mailbox at your home to protect
items you are receiving.

About the Author: Dave Vincent
is an expert on identity theft and knows that locked mailboxes are safer for
you and your mail.