Mail Identity Theft
Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States for the past 10 years, and affects over 10 million Americans each year.
Mail theft is a common way that identity thieves can steal your identity, and the 60 million unlocked mailboxes in the US offer a treasure trove of opportunity for would-be identity thieves.
Victims of mail theft often do not realize they have been victimized until their credit record and good name is ruined. Remedying the outcomes of fraud and identity theft requires thousands of dollars and hours of your time.
This section provides information about the prevalence of mail and identity theft, and the precautions you can take to protect yourself and your name.
Mail Identity Theft
- More than 1 in 20 Americans are victims of ID theft each year
- ID theft is the fastest growing crime in the nation
- Only 35% of ID theft victims know how their info was compromised
- The majority of known ID theft is perpetuated via low-tech methods: stolen wallets, stolen mail and stolen trash.
- Mail theft is highly under-reported because most people don’t realize when their mail has been stolen
Mail Theft in Action-Stolen Mail & Identities
Mail theft is happening across the nation, and many people are turning to locking mailboxes for protection. Here at Mail Boss, we think in a few years time, locking mailboxes will be the norm as people make the connection between mail theft and identity theft. In the meantime, we’re going to do everything we can to help educate people about the danger…
Brooklyn Duo Charged in Mail Theft Scheme
Local hardware stores in Brooklyn can help you secure your mail Originally reported by the Brooklyn Eagle. “Brooklyn Duo Charged in Israeli Mail Theft Scheme” — July 30, 2009 RAMAPO, N.Y. (AP) — Police have accused two Brooklyn men of stealing mail and checks from suburban New York residents. Ramapo police say Eliiya Aqva and Sharon Benshusahan, both of Brooklyn,…
Newcastle CA Mail Identity Theft
If you live in or nearby Newcastle California or the Sacramento area, it’s time to get a locking mailbox! You may already know that mail thieves have been prowling the neighborhoods stealing mail from unlocked mailboxes and gathering victims’ personal information, credit cards, identification and more. Although police officers have finally detained 4 suspects (shown right), it’s always better to…
Ontario California Mail Theft
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reports, “Stolen mail incidents crop up locally” This just in from the Daily Bulletin in Ontario, California – mail theft is on the rise! Residents need to protect their mail (and their identities) with a security mailbox. The original story documents an increase in mail theft. Notable points – most homeowners DO NOT realize when their mail…
CNN: Bernanke ID Theft Scheme Involves Mail Theft
Big news today: The Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke was one of 500 identity theft victims in a recent bank fraud scheme. It started when his wife’s handbag was stolen. This is in line with something we all should know by now – the majority of identity theft occurs via low-tech methods such as stolen wallets, purses, and mail. (For a refresher…
Minnesota Man Charged with Mail Theft
This article published by the South Washington County Bulletin features the usual elements we see in mail identity theft stories: some guy/girl/drug addict goes around town stealing sensitive mail from unlocked mailboxes, and now the victims need to be concerned that their identities may have been compromised or stolen. The moral of the story (it’s always the same): Protect your…
Mail Theft in Idaho – Who Would’ve Thought?
We currently only have one or two Mail Boss dealers in Idaho. This is a little surprising since we are based in Seattle and have dozens of retail stores selling our locking mailboxes all the way from the Olympic Peninsula to Spokane. But on the other hand, Idaho historically has not had the problem with identity theft that we have had…
Mail Theft in the News – June 2009
6 arrested for mail theft Kingman Daily Miner – 6/15/09 Kingman, ARIZONA: Bullhead City and Kingman Police Departments arrested 6 individuals in a mail fraud scheme. They apparently stole checks and bills from unlocked mailboxes. Naked man arrested for mail theft The Press-Enterprise – 6/4/2009 Murrieta, CALIFORNIA: A police officer found the suspect sitting naked in his car in possession…
Naked Mail Thief Strikes Murrieta, CA
There’s a naked man on the loose stealing mail in Murrieta! OK, that’s not true. There was a man on the loose stealing mail in Murrieta. But then the cops found him in his Geo Metro with hundreds of pieces of stolen mail… just chillin… naked! I find this story pretty of funny. Not for the victims, of course! But the mental picture:…
Mail Identity Theft from Alaska to Florida!
A quality security locking mailbox necessary to prevent mail theft and secure your identity Mail theft continues to plague the nation. Here are just a few recent news stories that underscore the need for a secure locking mailbox to prevent mail theft and protect your good name. (SANFORD, FLORIDA) Identity Theft Ring Busted in Sanford WFTV Orlando – 6/29/09 “Agents…
