| The holidays are in full swing. Like most people | | | | everyday to pick up your mail doesn't thrill you |
| you're probably getting your share of cards, gifts, | | | | than replace your traditional mailbox with one |
| bills (always) and various offers to spend money. | | | | that's safe and secure. |
| And it's all going into your mailbox. | | | | The ideal types are those made of solid steel. |
| Personal information is delivered to us on a daily | | | | The top of the box should be accessible to the |
| basis. The problem is most mailboxes can easily | | | | mailman, allowing him to put the mail in without a |
| be broken into. Since many of us only think about | | | | problem. The bottom side of the mailbox |
| our home and property when dealing with home | | | | however, should only be accessed via key. |
| security, identity thieves have found the gift that | | | | Mailboxes that require a key will protect you from |
| keeps on giving. | | | | identity theft - as the thief simply won't have |
| Even though there are many mailbox designs in | | | | access to your mail. |
| the United States, most of them are outdated in | | | | Mailboxes that are constructed from solid steel |
| terms of security. They may perform their duties | | | | are nearly impossible to break into, yet they will |
| of receiving mail quite well but they normally don't | | | | open easily for you to check your mail with the |
| offer the security needed to protect people from | | | | lock and key system. Keep your mailbox in good |
| identity theft. | | | | repair by using proper installation methods. |
| Most of us don't think anything about it. We head | | | | You can find secure mailboxes at a local |
| out to our mailbox, collect the mail, and go back in | | | | hardware, department store, or online. You should |
| the house. But all it takes is a thief to beat you to | | | | be able to get one at a very affordable price this |
| the mailbox by a couple of minutes. Once they | | | | time of year. |
| collect a few pieces of your mail, identity thieves | | | | If you do notice someone tampering with your |
| can easily use your personal information to charge | | | | mailbox (or your neighbor's), obtain that person's |
| credit cards, go on major spending sprees or | | | | description. Immediately report them to your local |
| worse. | | | | police and postmaster. You can bet that if you |
| Always include your mailbox in your plans for | | | | catch someone tampering with your mail, this isn't |
| home security. Remove your mail from your | | | | their first time and it won't be their last unless |
| mailbox as soon as it's delivered. If no one is | | | | you take action. Don't try to be a hero. Let the |
| home when the mailman arrives, consider renting | | | | proper authorities handle it. |
| a post office box, which provides a more secure | | | | Identity thieves have put your mailbox on their |
| system of delivery. You may find your peace of | | | | Christmas list. The next time you go out to check |
| mind is worth the small rental fee. | | | | your mail, think about your safety and theft |
| If the thought of going to the post office | | | | proof your mailbox. |