Identity fraud is a big concern nowadays that can cause huge debt and damage to credit scores not to mention deep emotional distress. In this post we’re going to explore the concept of identity fraud caused by information leakage that criminals typically target from unsecured mailbox.
What exactly considered identity fraud?
Identity theft occur when criminals steal your personal information and impersonate you to commit crimes. Usually they get your personal information through stealing your mail or hacking into your computer / smartphone.
After they have your information they can use it in many ways like takining loans in your behalf, apply for credit cards and make online purchases.
What kind of information is being for identity theft?
Identity theft often happens without the victims even know about it until it’s too late and falls into 3 main categories:
Financial identity theft
This is the most common type when thieves use your personal information to steal money or establish fake financial accounts on your behalf which also include ordering new credit cards, taking out loans in your name and draining your bank accounts.
Medical identity theft
In this case someone uses your personal information to obtain medical care which can lead to inaccurate medical records, denied coverage for legitimate medical needs or being responsible for someone else medical bills.
Criminal identity theft
It can happen when someone uses your identity to commit a serious crime, being a victim of this type of theft can make it difficult to clear your name if ever and can lead to an arrest and doing time in jail.
How to avoid mail theft?
- Check your mail on a daily basis, that way thieves won’t even have the option of snooping through your mail.
- Going out for a vacation, take advantage of USPS service to postpone your mail until you’re back.
- Install CCTV cameras around your houes and have one watching your mailbox and monitor it.
- Make sure your mailbox is installed in a well lit area and visible from your home.
