"Change of Address" Identity Theft

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Your mail may not be as safe as you think. Sneaky identity thieves can submit ‘change of address’ forms in your name, forward your mail to a place they can regularly check it, and end up with your credit cards and statements containing your personal information. And you’re left trying to sort through the mess.

How Identity Thieves Forward Your Mail

 

In Person

It’s not hard to file a change of address with the United States Postal Service. Simply visit a local post office, fill out the form, and drop it in the mail. No identification is requested or required. The USPS does send a change of address confirmation to the original address asking you to call if you didn’t initiate the change. However, if the thief watches your mail, he could steal the form before you have the chance to see it.

Online

Change of addresses can also be filed online, but it’s a little more difficult for a thief to do. Part of the online address forwarding process requires entry of a current credit or debit card. The address for the card must match either the original or forwarding address.

Through Your Bank or Credit Card Company

Thieves don’t always use the post office to have mail forwarded. The thief could contact a business directly to have your address changed. Many banks and credit card issuers allow you to change your address by mail, over the phone, or through the internet. Though some verification is often required, a thief could steal that information from somewhere else.

Detect and Prevent “Change of Address” ID Theft

Know when mail goes missing. Detecting mail ID theft is often a matter of paying attention to what you receive and don’t receive in the mail. If you fail to receive a bill, call the institution’s customer service number to make sure they sent it. If they did, contact the USPS at 1-800-275-8777 or your local post office to report missing mail. 

Go paperless. If your bank offers them, electronic statements can be a great way to protect yourself from mail fraud (while saving trees). Many banks now also allow you to receive email or mobile notifications when certain actions are taken on your account. Find out if your bank offers this type of notification for address change and sign up for it.

Don’t leave mail unprotected. Consider replacing your standard curbside mailbox with a locked one. If you go out of town, have the post office hold your mail or ask a trusted friend to collect it for you. You can also get a post office box to receive your sensitive mail, especially if you share a common mail area with your neighbors. Even though checking your mail at the post office might be a little inconvenient, it’s safer than a traditional or shared mailbox.

Check your credit. Always monitor your bank and credit card billing statements for fraudulent transactions. Regularly review your credit reports for signs of fraud, including new accounts you don’t recognize or credit checks you did not authorize.

Reporting Mail and ID Theft

Mail theft is a federal offense. If you have your identity stolen, it’s important that you report it to the proper authorities. That way, you reduce the liability for any fraudulent charges made using your accounts or accounts opened in your name. Report mail ID theft to: