How A Secure Mailbox Can Help Prevent Identity Theft - Lock, Stock & Barrel Locksmiths

Identity theft is a serious crime that can have monumental effects on victims, incurring large debts, tanking their credit ratings, and causing severe personal distress.

In this article, we’ll talk about what identity theft is, what information criminals typically look for, and how keeping your mailbox secure is one of the best ways to keep your data safe.

What Is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is a type of crime where a criminal steals your identity and uses it to commit fraud.

It often happens when a thief steals or finds your personal information and then uses it to take out loans, apply for credit cards, go shopping online, or steal directly from you.
Identity theft victims can find themselves with ruined credit ratings and large, unexpected debts that follow them around for the rest of their lives.

The most worrying part of all is that it’s easier than you might think for criminals to access your data. It could be as simple as stealing secure documents from your mailbox!

What Information Do Criminals Need To Perform Identity Theft?

Identity theft can happen without your knowledge or consent. There are three main types of ID theft, involving financial identification, social identification, and criminal identification.

Mailbox theft is one of the easiest ways for criminals to steal your information. Thieves will seek out unsecured mailboxes and grab whatever they can—often when you least expect it.

Criminals will look for documents like utility bills, credit card statements, and bank statements, but they can also take other things like financial documents and copies of your driver’s license if they find them in the mailbox.

How A Secure Mailbox Can Keep Your Data Secure

In today’s world, identity thieves run rampant but protecting your mailbox is one the easiest and best ways to keep yourself and your identity safe.

Securing your mailbox will make it difficult for thieves to steal your documents, acting as a physical barrier and mental deterrent. Potential thieves are less likely to target well-secured mailboxes.

while a simple padlock may be enough to deter criminals, we also suggest installing a video surveillance system and ensuring all mail you receive is secured in an opaque envelope.

Protect Your Identity Today

Get in touch with the expert team at Lock, Stock & Barrel Locksmiths today to enquire about our expert advice on securing your mailbox, as well as our professional-grade security products.