Mail Theft Monday – 9/13/10

Surprisingly, not much to report this week. I’m sure next week will be much more exciting!

Guilty plea in check-snatching scam
Washington Post – 9/8/10

(MARYLAND) “Prosecutors say a Maryland woman has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud for cashing stolen D.C. and federal treasury checks.

Twenty-six-year-old Annternet Howard of Hyattsville, Md., entered the plea on Tuesday and agreed to pay more than $12,000 in restitution. She will be sentenced on Dec. 10.

According to evidence at the plea hearing, Howard cashed at least eight stolen checks using fake IDs. In exchange for cashing the checks, an accomplice paid Howard a part of the checks’ face value.”

COMMENTS: What this story doesn’t say (though it is implied with the charges) is that this woman stole checks from MAILBOXES. Mail theft is increasingly common, and thieves target your curbside mailbox for everything from bill payments to your account information. To secure your mail, use a high security locking mailbox that can’t be fished or pried. The Mail Boss is a good option. Also, never send checks or other sensitive mail from your mailbox. Bring bill payments to the post office or use online bill pay – it’s more secure. Last, always shred sensitive documents (most of which come in your mailbox!) before discarding them.