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| the United States, most of them are outdated in | | | | access to your mail.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