With identity theft on the rise worldwide, it has unfortunately become a necessity now to ensure that your mail is delivered securely, and is not stolen. You can either pay a yearly subscription for a Post Office Box (PO Box), or you can buy a locking mailbox.
Identity theft is where someone steals some of your personal identifying information, such as you name, social security number, or credit card number, and uses this information to commit fraud. According to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission), about 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year, and this figure is on the rise. An identity thief may obtain a credit card, open a telephone account, or rent an apartment in your name.
Note: Whilst this article talks about locking mailboxes to secure your mail when delivered, it is also equally important to ensure that you are careful about throwing statements away. Identity thieves go through the trash looking for bills and statements that people throw away – so ensure you incinerate, or shred these documents.
- Ensure that the locking mailbox has a decent lock on it.
- Choose a mailbox that has been approved for use by the US Postmaster General.
- Ensure that the mailbox is weather resistant and waterproof so that your mailbox will last, and your mail will be kept dry.
- Ensure that the mailbox has a large enough capacity for all your mail, especially if you go away for a few days.
With identity theft escalating, nobody these days can really afford to leave mail unprotected in an unlocked mailbox, and buying a locking mailbox is recommended for all homes.
The MailGuard 579M Security Mailbox
