Copyright (c) 2009 Chris Perry
Mail theft is an epidemic in some parts of the country, and a dangerous threat everywhere. If you think it�s a bad idea to leave your sensitive financial, social security, and other personal information unprotected out on the street in an unlocked mailbox, then you could consider getting a mailbox that has a locking door.
BetterBox Mailboxes believes Identity theft is a serious crime. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years � and thousands of dollars � cleaning up the mess the thieves have made of a good name and credit record. In the meantime, victims of identity theft may lose job opportunities, be refused loans for education, housing, or cars, and even get arrested for crimes they didn�t commit. Humiliation, anger, and frustration are among the feelings victims experience as they navigate the process of rescuing their identity.
According to the Associated Press un-locked mailboxes are the number one way crooks steal your identity. Most homes and thus most mailboxes are left un-attended the larger part of most days. Identity thieves simply cruise your neighborhood going from mailbox to mailbox. Bank statements, new checks, credit card statements, credit card offers, tax statements, and a plethora of other personal data are one un-locked mailbox door away.
How identity thieves use your personal information:
� They may call your credit card issuer to change the billing address on your credit card account. The imposter then runs up charges on your account. Because your bills are being sent to a different address, it may be some time before you realize there�s a problem.
� They may open new credit card accounts in your name. When they use the credit cards and don�t pay the bills, the delinquent accounts are reported on your credit report.
� They may establish phone or wireless service in your name.
� They may open a bank account in your name and write bad checks on that account.
� They may counterfeit checks or credit or debit cards, or authorize electronic transfers in your name, and drain your bank account.
� They may file for bankruptcy under your name to avoid paying debts they�ve incurred under your name, or to avoid eviction.
� They may buy a car by taking out an auto loan in your name.
� They may get identification such as a driver�s license issued with their picture, in your name.
� They may get a job or file fraudulent tax returns in your name.
� They may give your name to the police during an arrest. If they don�t show up for their court date, a warrant for arrest is issued in your name.
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Protect yourself at a vulnerable collection point
http://www.betterboxmailboxes.com/lockbox.html
