Mail theft still a problem in U.S.

By Lauren LaFleur - Progress News Writer

Security is an issue some people don't give a second thought to. Locking doors and windows of homes and businesses have become second-nature in modern times when not too long ago many never "locked-up" at night.

However, even if the doors and windows are locked, would-be thieves can still find a way to steal valuable information from the average American.

"The mailbox has really become a target," said Chuck Hosier of Postal Vault, a company specializing in postal security. "People will drive up to your mailbox, look through it, pull out what they want, leave the junk and drive off."

Hosier said most victims of mail theft aren't even aware they have been hit until after the damage is done - and they receive a bill for credit cards they didn't request or purchases they never made.

This form of identity theft has become more widespread in recent years - with one of every three incidents of ID theft occurring through mail theft, Hosier said.

"Mailboxes provide a plethora of opportunities for ID thieves," he said. "They take information from a mailbox, go to a hotel room or something and have an ID made from somewhere off the Web, and you'll never realize it until it's too late."

Hosier said leaving mail in a mailbox at the curb is the same as leaving a wallet or a credit card - both leave personal, vital information unattended and a target for a thief.

"People think that because they don't own a computer or they don't have a credit card or they don't use a credit card, it won't happen to them," Hosier said.

"If you own a house, especially in rural neighborhoods, people can just drive by, open your mailbox, take your mail and drive off," he said.

He also said houses like lake houses used only on the weekends or seasonally are targets because the owners are less likely to pick up their mail on a regular basis.

However, it isn't just incoming mail that can present a problem.

"Don't leave outgoing mail for someone to pick up," Hosier said. "Anything you leave in your mailbox is probably of a bill-paying nature."

He said "red-flagging" is the term used when a thief looks for outgoing mail to target.

"When you put that red flag up, it says to the thief, 'Hey, I got mail. Come and get me,'" Hosier said.

Hosier suggests using the drop-slot at the post office to send outgoing mail rather than sending it from a home mailbox.

He also said ID thieves can use checks ordered through the mail to steal from a person.

"Have them delivered to the bank, then pick them up at the bank," Hosier said.

The United States Postal Service's Web site also suggests not sending cash in the mail, picking up mail immediately after delivery and having the USPS hold mail when out of town as other methods to reduce the risk of mail theft.

Also, once mail is in the individual's hands it may not be completely safe.

The USPS suggests shredding unwanted mail - especially items like credit card offers, bank statements or other items containing personal data - before throwing it away.

Some ID thieves will "dumpster dive," taking mail out of the trash and using the information they gain to take money, apply for credit cards or use personal identification, such as a Social Security number, to create new identities for themselves.

The USPS Web site reports that nearly 10 million people were the victims of identity theft last year, and these thefts cost $5.5 billion.

For more information about mail theft, visit the USPS's mail theft Web site at www.usps.com/websites/depart/inspect/mailthft.htm or take the mail theft quiz at www.usps.com/postalinspectors/thftquiz.htm.

For more information about Postal Vault, call 1-877-POVAULT or visit www.postalvault.com.