Fraud Tip #1 From Salem Police- Mail Theft

(Salem) - Statistically, one out of every ten persons living in Salem will become a victim of Identity Theft during his or her lifetime. In 2004, Portland and Salem had the highest number of reported cases of Identity Theft of all cities in Oregon.

Salem residents don`t have to look far to see how bad things can become. The Portland Metropolitan Area is the 12th worst major metropolitan area in the nation for Identity Theft. Prevention is the key to reducing the likelihood that YOU will become a victim of Identity Theft.

Problem Of Mail Theft:
Identity Thieves commonly steal incoming and outgoing mail. Mail is also stolen from the trash, after the recipient discards it. They target checks, credit cards and personal financial information. Mail Thieves prefer unlocked private mailboxes. Yet, even the locked community boxes are not totally secure, since thieves have occasionally developed counterfeit keys to open the rear delivery door. Some boxes have been pried open during the hours of darkness.

Prevention:
Know your Mail Carrier and their schedule. Your Carrier makes only one delivery a day. Pick up your mail every day. If you are on vacation, or unable do so, have the Post Office "Hold" your mail, or have a trusted neighbor or friend pick up your mail. Never put outdoing mail in an unlocked mailbox. It is best to put the outgoing mail into a locked mailbox in the morning, not overnight.

Consider using a U.S. Postal Service blue collection box, or your local Post Office, for all outgoing mail. The most secure method is to use the lobby of the Post Office, which is open 24 hours each day. Shred all mail, credit card information and other material with personal information before putting it into the trash. This is probably the most important tip.

Action:
If you see someone tampering with a mailbox, or stealing mail, immediately call the police using "911".
If you discover you are a victim of Mail Theft, file a report with the Salem Police Department, at 503-588-6123. A report will be taken on the phone, or in person, depending on the nature of the investigation. Ask for a case number. Write down the number. Contact the U.S. Postal Inspector on all cases of Mail Theft. Mail Theft is a federal crime. You may do this by telephone, web site or by filing Postal Service form #2016 at your local Post Office.
Phone Numbers: Postal Inspector/Seattle Wa.: 1-206-442-6300 or 1-800-ASK-USPS (ask for Postal Inspector)Web Site: www.USPS.Com
If you become a victim of Identity Theft due to mail theft, file another report with the Salem Police Department. In addition, contact one of the three Credit Bureau's to have a "Fraud Alert" put on your credit history.

Editor`s notes¦
The next tip from Salem Police regards a similar subject, `Identity Theft." This crime is similar in nature to mail theft but it has its own particular set of circumstances. If possible, print the stories and share them with your friends and family. By working together with police, neighbors and schools, we can break the cycle of damage in our communities.