InsuranceThought — Blogs About Insurance

At the risk of spurring on the pesky population that insists on using their talents for evil, not good, I’ll share with you yet one more reason you should consider purchasing identity theft protection (“insurance,” if you will). It seems that some of these criminals have recently been able to steal others’ identities by diverting individuals’ mail; they simply fill out the change-of-address card and poof! They are getting your mail along with all your account information delivered right to their door.

A recent investigation done by the New York television station WCBS found that no ID was required to accomplish this (nor were there any other real roadblocks set up to run interference if one decided to attempt this illegal activity).

Though WCBS found during their investigation that only about 100 out of the 45 million change-of-address forms filed each year are found to be fraudulent, the impact on those whose identities are stolen is huge.

This time of year, with W-2s coming and taxes being mailed out, is an especially risky period. The forms, of course, include your Social Security number, your employer’s name, and perhaps bank account information that you wouldn’t want to fall into the wrong hands.

With more than 670,000 identities reported stolen last year alone, you may want to take steps to avoid having your information taken without your knowledge.

Tips:

• Pay close attention to whether or not you are receiving mail in your name (not resident, occupant, etc.) regularly. If you don’t receive any for a few days check with your local post office to find out if a change-of-address card has been filled out.
• Get your mail as soon as it arrives in your mailbox if you possibly can. Don’t leave your mail in the box overnight. You might even purchase a sensor that will tell you from inside your home whether or not your mailbox has been opened.
• Consider getting a locking mailbox.
• Shred mail that comes to you; don’t throw away information that contains anything regarding your personal identity (Social Security number, birth date, account numbers, etc.).