An unprotected mailbox is like a treasure chest for identity thieves.
“One of the biggest methods of capturing consumer information [for identity theft] is getting it out of the garbage or mailbox,” according to credit expert John Ulzheimer.
Identity thieves aren’t looking for birthday cards from your grandma. It’s unsolicited credit card and insurance offers (a.k.a. junk mail) that are valuable to them. These offers often include personal information that can be used to open false credit lines and bank accounts in your name.
The 2009 Identity Fraud Survey Report released by Javelin Strategy & Research reported that identity theft is on the rise. The number of victims increased by 22 percent to 9.9 million adults in the United States, according to the report. The mean consumer cost of identity theft was measured at $496 per incident in 2008. The report also found that “traditional” means of theft, such as using paper documents and face-to-face interactions, were more prevalent that computer-based fraud.
Here are some tips on decreasing the chance that the junk in your mailbox will turn into fodder for identity thieves:
1.) If you won’t take the time to follow Unjunkmail’s filter directions – at the very least sign up for OptOutPrescreen. This free service takes your name off the lists that the four major consumer credit reporting companies, Equifax, Experian, Innovis and TransUnion supply to financial services companies who send out preapproved and prescreened offers of credit or insurance.
2.) Go paperless. Sign up for paperless communication with your bank so that your account information is transmitted online instead of through the mail.
3.) Arrange for someone to pick up your mail when you’re away on vacation, or ask your post office to put a hold on your mail delivery.
4.) Stay on top of your credit score. You can order a free copy of your credit score from each of the major credit reporting companies at annualcreditreport.com. Managing your credit profile is one of the best defenses against identity theft.