Mail Box Compromises

The Big Blue mail boxes that you sit in front of your local post office have recently been the target of thieves.  Apparently the thieves are using a rat trap with a string attached, and covering it with glue.  The trap is then lowered into the mail box through the drop off door, and any mail that it touches sticks to the rat trap and is retrieved.  Most instances of this type of mail theft are occurring at mail boxes located at post office locations.

To avoid being a victim of this crime, the District Attorney recommends:

1. If mailing anything with personal identifying information included, drop your mail in the slots provided in the lobby of your post office, not in the big blue mailbox in front.  This rule should apply when you mail a check for any reason.  Checks contain several pieces of personal identifying information, and thieves can attempt to cash, use the information on the check to access your account, or make numerous counterfeit checks for your account.

2. Consider alternative ways to pay bills or transfer funds from one party to another.  On-line bill paying, automatic withdrawal from you account, or authorizing by phone the payment of your bills by your financial institution.  Electronic transfer of funds is a safer method of handling financial matters than putting a check in the mail.