Keep Your Finances and Personal Information Safe
Mail theft is on the rise, and it’s not just about stealing packages— criminals often target your mailbox to access sensitive financial and personal information. From checks and credit cards to important documents, thieves are on the lookout to commit identity fraud. At Mission Fed, we want to help you stay informed and proactive, so you can protect your mail and keep your information secure.
How Mail Theft Happens
Mail theft involves stealing items directly from your mailbox. They typically target sensitive documents, including:
- Checks: Stolen checks can be altered or forged, allowing criminals to withdraw funds.
- Credit or Debit Cards: Once stolen, these cards can be used without your knowledge.
- Bank Statements and Tax Forms: These contain personal information that thieves use for identity theft.
Tips to Keep Your Mail Safe
- Retrieve Your Mail Quickly
Whether you live in a busy San Diego neighborhood or a quieter area, it’s important to pick up your mail as soon as it’s delivered. If you’re away, ask a trusted neighbor to collect it or use the USPS® Hold Mail service. The longer it sits, the higher the risk. - Go Paperless
One way to reduce the risk is by going paperless. At Mission Fed, we offer secure paperless statements that can be accessed through online banking. This helps keep your financial details safe from theft. - Avoid Mailing Cash or Checks
To reduce the chances of your mail being targeted, avoid sending checks or cash. Instead, use secure payment options like electronic transfers. - Track Important Deliveries
When you’re expecting sensitive items, like new debit or credit cards, use USPS’s free tracking service. You’ll get an email with scanned images of your expected mail so you can quickly spot if anything is missing. - Shred Sensitive Documents
Before disposing of bank statements or credit card offers, be sure to shred them. Thieves often search for discarded mail to gather information, but shredding ensures that your personal details can’t be pieced together.
What to Do If Your Mail Has Been Stolen
If you think your mail has been stolen, act quickly to minimize damage:
- Contact your bank or credit union. Place a hold on your accounts if necessary, and report any missing checks or cards.
- Report the theft to USPS. File a report with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to investigate the situation.
- File a police report. This is especially important if checks, identification, or sensitive documents have been taken.
- Monitor your credit. Regularly check your accounts and credit report for unusual activity. Mission Fed members can keep tabs on their credit score and accounts right in our mobile app or Online Banking anytime, anywhere, for free. You may also want to place a fraud alert on your credit report through one of the three major credit bureaus.
Stay Safe, Stay Vigilant
At Mission Fed, we’re committed to your security. By staying proactive and following these tips, you can protect yourself from mail theft and keep your information safe. If you have concerns about your accounts or suspect any fraudulent activity, reach out to us—we’re here to help.
For more tips on safeguarding your information or to learn about our online and mobile banking security features, visit our Security Center or connect with a Mission Fed representative today.
The content provided in this blog consists of the opinions and ideas of the author alone and should be used for informational purposes only. Mission Federal Credit Union disclaims any liability for decisions you make based on the information provided. References to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name in this article by Mission Federal Credit Union is for the information and convenience of its readers and does not constitute endorsement, control or warranty by Mission Federal Credit Union. Mobile and data rates apply when using mobile banking.
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