Identity Theft through the Mail
CBS 42 News
2008-10-09 08:15:00.0
|
|
|
| |
|
Identity theft often happens through credit cards, but, it was through the mail that a Jefferson County commissioner's family member was made a victim.
Commissioner Bettye Fine Collins says one of her own children just stopped receiving mail. Turns out, they were the victim of an identity theft scam through a change-of-address form available at the U.S. Post Office.
Inspectors say this type of ID theft is unusual because the post office sends out notices of the change to prevent such crimes. But, in most instances, catching the scammer is difficult.
Postal Inspector Tony Robbins said, “What scammers often do is they will look for an address that has been vacant, say they see your next-door neighbor has moved away and their house is for sale. They'll use that address to have the identity forwarded to."
If you find that your mail stops coming to your home, you should contact your local post office immediately. You should also notify the various credit reporting agencies.
|
