Every day, the U.S. Postal Service safely and efficiently delivers millions of checks, money orders, credit cards, and other valuable items. Unfortunately, such items of value also are attractive to thieves.
While identity theft happens year-round, we are in “prime time” because so many year-end financial forms are in the mail as companies send their tax documents. If you’re in the West Palm Beach market, you’ll want to tune in to tonight’s WPEC Channel 12 news broadcast. Inspector Blanca Alvarez provides tips to protect your mail from identity thieves:
-- Never send cash or coins in the mail. Use checks or money orders.
-- Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery, especially if you're expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items. If you won't be home when the items are expected, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail.
-- Have your local Post Office hold your mail while you're on vacation or absent from your home for a long period of time.
-- If you don't receive a check or other valuable mail you're expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately.
-- If you change your address, immediately notify your Post Office and anyone with whom you do business via the mail.
-- Always deposit your mail in a mail slot at your local Post Office, a blue collection box or hand it to your letter carrier.
-- Consider starting a neighborhood watch program. By exchanging work and vacation schedules with trusted friends and neighbors, you can watch each other's mailboxes (as well as homes).
If you observe a mail thief at work, call the local police immediately, and then call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455.
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