Protect Your Mailbox

In the United States, identity theft continues to be a growing problem with thousands of people falling victim each year. Although there are seemingly endless amounts of ways criminals can commit identity theft online or with advanced technology, a high percentage of identity thefts are still committed the old fashioned way - through your mailbox. Identity theft through the mailbox is probably the easiest method for most criminals, especially if your box is unprotected. All they need is once piece of mail to do most of their dirty work, a bank account statement, credit card bill, or anything with your social security number listed could leave you vulnerable. Armed with any of this information, a criminal could empty your bank accounts or open a new credit card in your name. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep your mailbox and its important contents protected.

How to Protect Your Mailbox

• Get a lock: Probably the easiest and most secure method of protecting your mail is simply a lock. Typically, you can get a mailbox with a slot large enough that your mail carrier can drop your mail through, but small enough that no one can take anything out of without unlocking it. There are many different types of locking mailboxes that can be purchased online or at a local store.
• Go paperless: If you’re committed to using online banking and paying credit cards on the web, you’ve probably heard about the option to cancel paper statements and receive everything electronically. With this option, you won’t receive any more account or billing statements in the mail, which eliminates that threat of identity theft. Remember to only view this information online under a secure connection; otherwise you could face a whole new host of problems.
• Install a camera: Don’t have access to a locking mailbox? Consider installing a security camera system. Lately, they’ve become cheaper and cheaper, as some can be found for under $300. With a security system, you may be able to get a good look at the criminal in the act, as well as the car their driving or a license plate.
  Title: Protect Your Mailbox

Additional Resources:

• Don’t Become a Victim of Identity Theft
• What is Missing from Your Mailbox Today?
• Fight Back Against Identity Theft