Identity theft is becoming a growing threat in the United States today. Most homeowners don’t ever think about this, but the mailbox in front of their home is one of the most vulnerable areas when it comes to identity theft. Not only can thieves steal sensitive financial and identity documents, but they can also learn an awful lot about the occupants of the home. By going through the contents of your mailbox, a burglar could learn that you’ve recently purchased electronics through the mail and booked your summer vacation, both of which can be used against you. All it takes is for a thief to beat you to the mailbox by just a few minutes to wreak havoc on your life.

These days, nearly everyone receives a constant stream of junk mail, often including personal information. Credit card applications are among the most notorious of these mailings. In addition, you probably receive credit card statements, bills, and other important documents. If you’re like most people, you simply expect this mail to be there when you open your mailbox, and never give a thought to the possibility that it has been intercepted by thieves.

All that a criminal needs in order to successfully steal your identity are a few of your personal documents. Even just a single credit card application can be enough for the savvy identity thief to charge thousands of dollars in your name using fraudulent accounts. The information needed to steal your identity can easily be found by criminals who get to your mailbox before you. Often, you may not even discover that the envelope is gone for several weeks, if you ever do.

If you find yourself receiving a lot of mail with personal information, there are steps you can take to limit your exposure to identity theft. Many mailing lists have an ‘opt-out’ feature. In addition, your bank and utility companies may offer online bill-pay so that you can bypass the step of receiving a bill in the mail. Such steps can limit the amount of junk mail you have to throw out, as well as limiting the personal information available to thieves.

Not only should you be cautious about what you’re receiving in the mail, but you should also take the necessary steps to protect the box itself. Most mailboxes sold today do not have the best security features. If you’re in an area that gets a lot of traffic, or you think someone might be stealing your mail, you might want to consider a locking mailbox for added security. Install extra lighting, and make sure your mailbox is not next to a bush or other convenient hiding spot for criminals who want to go through your mail. A P.O. Box can be another way to ensure that your personal information isn’t in your mailbox, just waiting for the first thief to walk by.

Many people forget that home security extends all the way to the street, where their mailbox is sitting. The next time you check the mail, stop to think about the security of your mailbox and just how much personal information comes with the mail you’ve just received.

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Category: Society
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