Identity Theft – Mail Hijacking

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:18:02 +0000

You may be surprised to learn that identity thieves mainly use very low tech methods to steal your personal data, such as rifling through rubbish to find old bank statements or utility bills that people have carelessly thrown away and stealing wallets, purses and luggage containing credit cards and other key documents. Thieves can also hijack your mail, which basically means intercepting items such as credit card statements, mobile phone bills and pre-approved credit offers and then changing the address so that future correspondences are redirected to them. This can allow thieves to misuse your accounts without your knowledge, as your statements will no longer be sent to your address, and they can run up significant charges and fees before you or the card/mobile phone provider realise what has happened.

Thieves can get hold of your post in a number of ways:
•   Shared apartment buildings/houses – the mail for shared accommodation can often be delivered in one place, which leaves it vulnerable to thieves, so if you do live in shared accommodation make sure you check that you have received all the statements and bills you are expecting each month, and if something important such as a new credit card is being sent to you, you may prefer to pick this up from your local branch. Learn how to prevent identity theft loss.

•   Mailboxes – if your mail gets delivered to a box down the end of your driveway or on your porch, make sure this has a lock so that no one can just reach inside and steal the mail. Keep the key in a secure place and remember to empty the box regularly so it doesn’t build up – you could be missing out on something important and it could also indicate to thieves that you are away from home for long periods of time.

•   Holiday mail – if you are going to be away from home on holiday or for other reasons you can arrange to have your mail stopped for a short period, and it will be held for you at the local branch so that you can pick it up when you get home again.

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Identity Theft – Mail Hijacking