Watch your mail for possible ID theft

By Vanessa Tripodi

In July 2009, the term "going postal" had a whole new meaning in Australia when over 5,000 undelivered letters were found in the home of a Wahroonga postman. Since the postman began working with Australia Post six months earlier, he had habitually been neglecting his deliveries and letters, while cheque books, credit cards and bank statements had accumulated in his home.

Australia Post contacted local police when they became concerned about their postman, who was then put under surveillance. Upon searching the man's home, police found the thousands of undelivered letters, credit cards and bank statements, some of which had been opened. While the majority of the undelivered letters were not opened, investigations are being made regarding the letters that were. The postman has been charged with taking and concealing an article in the course of post, obstructing and hindering the carriage of an article by post, and driving while suspended.

While the police don't believe the postman acted with malice or intended to steal personal details, cheques or identities, identity theft is still very easily perpetrated by mail. Identity thieves can intercept your mail before you collect it from your letterbox and apply for pre-approved credit cards in your name. They also can shop online or over the phone using your personal details and credit card number.

To protect yourself and your mail from this sort of identity theft, you need to treat your letterbox just as you would your wallet or handbag. This includes monitoring the arrival of your mail and collecting it from your letterbox as soon as it is delivered. If you are generally not home at the time your mail is delivered, either have a neighbour collect it from your letterbox, put a lock on your letterbox (also making sure your letterbox is secured to the ground) or consider renting a post office box that is locked and enclosed, accessed only by your local post office staff. Also, if you are going away on holiday, have the post office hold your mail until you get back rather than leaving it waiting in your letterbox.

In addition to these safety measures, you should also keep careful track of the arrival of your bank and credit card statements, and contact your financial institution and Australia Post if your deliveries are delayed or don't arrive. If your mail is regularly delayed or misplaced, press authorities and Australia Post for answers and an investigation. In the meantime, check your phone and online bank accounts for irregular transactions.

Your identity is an asset as important as your home, family or possessions. To protect all of these things, it is important that you know the location of all paperwork with any of your details.

Article by Vanessa Tripodi

Published: August 3, 2009