Identity theft

[Arne]

I recently attended a seminar on identity theft. I thought I knew it all, but was proved wrong.

One thing I learned from my ex g/f was not to put the red flag up on the mail box. That is a signal to bad guys/girls that there may be personal information in the mail box, like checks (with acct and routing #'s).

Also, pick up you mail as soon as you can. Bad people can get your name and address and submit a change of address for and have YOUR mail forwarded somewhere else with bank numbers, soc. numbers, credit numbers, etc....

I did win a shredder at the seminar, so now will shred almost everything to keep from becoming a victim.

If it happens to you, file a police report and then one with the FCC...... that will document the date on which you started having problems and give you documentation..

Watch the video in the link. Never carry your passport, birth certificate with you unless you are in need of them at the time.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/

[Steve_Cox]

Arne,

If in fact you are really Arne, good tip about the mailbox flag.

[emiller]

two years ago I caught a group of 3 people stealing my neighbors mail. When the police searched them they had other peoples mail also. The cop told me good job that most don't realize that someone is stealing mail. Rarly do they catch these crooks.

[Miriam C.]

Maybe we need locks on the mail boxes.

[rebapuck]

When I moved to my current address, I was alittle put out that I had to walk to a clusterbox to get my mail. Now I'm glad because it's locked.

Block the VIN# on the dash of your car too.

[S. Heisley]

Though safer, even locked mailboxes aren't all that safe. The thieves now have tools that peel the metal back off locked mailboxes.

Sorry to deflate your secure feeling but I thought you ought to know. It's best not to leave incoming or outgoing mail in the mailbox overnight. This is especially true at Christmas time when gift cards, cash, etc. are sent through the mail.

[starleen2]

Support your local economy by visiting your downtown post office - All my mail is from an INSIDE P.O Box at the post office - Sure I have to drive downtown, but ain't nobody gonna break into my mail - either sending or recieving without it being caught on camera! While I'm downtown, I look in the thrift shops for some good deals and get lunch at the local sandwich store

[ARKPAT]

starleen2
PostPosted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 7:29 am Post subject:
Support your local economy by visiting your downtown post office - All my mail is from an INSIDE P.O Box at the post office - Sure I have to drive downtown, but ain't nobody gonna break into my mail - either sending or recieving without it being caught on camera! While I'm downtown, I look in the thrift shops for some good deals and get lunch at the local sandwich store Very Happy

Yep ! ! ! ! !




Pat

[rebapuck]

Believe it or not( I retired from the PO) people will reach through their own p.o. box and try to grab mail in the next box.

[Arne]

I believe it...... doesn't surprise me at all. gotta protect yourself at all times these days.

[Dan & Julie CO]

Let's Just get rid of Bills that will take care of it.

[FireLion]

If someone wants to steal my idenity, they can have it! I'm done with it, all they'd get is a mountain of debt, no credit, and a mailbox full of bills. Now, how do I trade places with Brad Pitt???