http://www.laramieboomerang.com/news/more.asp?StoryID=106221

By Carrie May
Boomerang Staff Writer

A thief digging through garbage cans, stealing a wallet or simply reaching into a mailbox can leave anyone susceptible to mail fraud and identity theft, but precautionary measures against such crimes can be taken.

“People have to be aware of any information that can be obtained to steal somebody’s account or personal information,” John Salanitro, postal inspector for the Rocky Mountain region in Denver, said.

The week of Feb. 4-10 is the United States Postal Service National Consumer Protection Week. Postal Inspection Service was responsible for arresting over 6,500 suspects nationwide per year for mail theft and help prosecute and convict approximately 5,500 mail thieves each year. Postal inspectors investigate over 3,500 fraud cases across the country each year and arrest on average 1,500 suspects over the past two years for mail-related consumer fraud.

“Shred any important documents, unwanted credit card application documents that (you) might receive in the mail,” Salanitro said. “Be cognizant of the information that (you) carry. An individual doesn’t have to have their social security number in their purse or wallet.”

Be wary of each credit card you carry, Salanitro said, and don’t list a social security number on your driver’s license. When paying for services with a check, be careful that all information given is necessary.

“Be careful when you take your trash out,” Salanitro said. “People do drive by and take personal trash to see if there is any information there that (can be used to) submit applications for accounts in other people’s name.”

Outgoing mail, especially containing checks and account information, should be deposited in a secure location, like a post office or a locked blue mailbox.

“Put the mail into the postal service system directly,” Salanitro said. “We also caution people about putting their outgoing mail that includes checks in their street side mailbox with a red flag up.”

The red flag on a mailbox can alert thieves to the fact that personal information may be available in that mailbox, Salanitro said, increasing the chances that it may be stolen.

And in regard to mail fraud lottery scams asking for a deposit in return for “winnings,” Salanitro said that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

“If (you) get a solicitation with a great sounding deal,” Salanitro said, it will usually turn out to be something “that might come back to haunt you if you follow through.”

Postal inspectors are responsible for enforcing the mail fraud statute. A fraud complaint can be filed at the local post office, by calling (800) FRAUD-IS (800-372-8347) or by going online at www.usps.com/postalinspectors. The Federal Trade Commission works for the consumer to prevent fraud and deception. Call (877) FTC-HELP (877-382-4357) or log on to www.ftc.gov.

Internet

protection tips:

n Be cautious about giving out personal information. Be certain the organization/business is legitimate.

n Don’t disclose personal information, especially a Social Security number or home address.

n Teach children to check with parents or an adult before completing any form or survey online.

n Never share a password to anyone online. Never use a full name, telephone number, birth date or Social Security number as part of a password.

n Use a secure browser that complies with industry standards or technology such as encryption.

Mail theft protection tips:

n Pick up your mail promptly after delivery. Don’t leave it in your mailbox overnight.

n Deposit outgoing mail in U.S. Postal Service collection boxes, give it to your letter carrier, or take it directly to the post office.

n When you are away, have the post office hold your mail until you return.

n Don’t send cash in the mail.

n Arrange for checks mailed to you on a regular basis to be directly deposited into your bank/credit union. If you do not receive an expected check or other valuable mail, and it is past due, contact the sending agency immediately.

n When you move, fill out a change of address form immediately.

n Many post offices offer post office boxes for rental. Post office boxes offer added security.

n You can purchase a locked mailbox, if you receive large amounts of valuable mail. (Check with your post office for lock mailboxes approved by USPS.)

n Report suspicious activity or mail theft immediately to your local law enforcement and post office.


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These are all the great tips and these tips are useful and appreciable as well, for the implementation of lawful acts to reduce such kinds of incidents and to prevent the ordinary man from these kinds of cheats and frauds as well.


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