| Your mailbox may be the most vulnerable property | | | | * Be sure to stop mail delivery when you are out of |
| you own. It contains personal data, credit offers and | | | | town. Like newspapers stacked on the porch, |
| applications, and a world of personal information you | | | | uncollected mail is a sure sign that you'll not be there to |
| do NOT want others to have. Your mail can include | | | | catch a thief. If you're away from home for more than |
| gifts and mail-order or online purchases. | | | | a day or two, let the post office know not to deliver to |
| Home mailboxes are easy to break into and rob. | | | | you. For short-term absences, ask a friend or neighbor |
| They're a perfect target for identity thieves. Every | | | | to pick up your mail for you. |
| day, you receive a stack of mail offering opportunities | | | | * Consider replacing your mailbox with a sturdy, |
| to unscrupulous strangers and even trusted neighbors. | | | | well-constructed alternative. Choose a mailbox made |
| Though a variety of "secure" mailbox designs have | | | | from solid steel with a combination or electronic lock. If |
| been available for decades, none of them has proven | | | | you think a steel mailbox will be too unattractive, you |
| effective at preventing theft. They simply do not | | | | can buy or build an attractive container to keep your |
| protect us as they should. | | | | front yard appealing and secure your mail at the same |
| Modern communications and technology have made | | | | time. Be sure to maintain your mailbox to keep it free |
| stealing mail a profitable activity. Few crimes create as | | | | of rust. Steel mailboxes are available at hardware |
| much stress and heartache as identity theft, and few | | | | stores and on the internet. |
| crimes are as difficult to prevent and detect. A good | | | | * Make sure to repair your mailbox immediately if you |
| home mailbox that prevents easy break-in buys extra | | | | discover any sign that someone has tampered with it. |
| time and makes it more likely that potential thieves will | | | | If you witness the tampering, report it to the local |
| be caught in the act. | | | | postmaster. Tampering with mail is a serious offense |
| Few homeowners consider their mailbox when they | | | | that will not be ignored. |
| install a security system. Yet, many people have | | | | There are a few things you should look for when |
| become victims of credit card fraud and identity theft. | | | | purchasing a new secure locking mailbox: |
| Remember that an identity thief needs only one piece | | | | - durable and weatherproof construction and materials |
| of mail with personal information to destroy your credit | | | | - easy to install and maintain |
| rating and make your life miserable. | | | | - unique individual keys or combinations |
| It's time to include your mailbox in your security plan. | | | | - tamper-proof construction |
| Here are a few tips that will help you protect the | | | | - appropriate size |
| valuable information your mailbox may contain. | | | | - approved by the Post Office |
| * Pick up your mail as soon as it's delivered. Don't let | | | | - easy-to-access mail retrieval door |
| mail sit idle in your mailbox, inviting thieves to make off | | | | - welded, not riveted |
| with your personal information. | | | | You may keep your home and property safe and |
| * Seek alternatives if you can't empty your mailbox | | | | secure with a super-deluxe home security system, but |
| frequently. If you travel a lot or find it difficult to get to | | | | an insecure mailbox can create financial problems that |
| the mailbox, consider renting a mailbox at the local post | | | | are even harder to repair than a broken window. |
| office or from a private mailing shop. This keeps your | | | | Home mailboxes are a prime target for identity thieves, |
| mail secure until you can get it. It's inexpensive and well | | | | and a little caution on your part will save you years of |
| worth the cost and trouble. | | | | heartache and bad credit. |