| The holidays are in full swing. Like most people | | | | everyday to pick up your mail does not thrill you |
| you are probably getting your share of cards, | | | | than replace your traditional mailbox with one |
| gifts, bills (always) and various offers to spend | | | | that's safe and secure. |
| money. And all of it is 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| the United States, most of them are outdated in | | | | Mailboxes that are constructed from solid steel |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 do not think anything about it. We | | | | You can find secure mailboxes at a local |
| head out to our mailbox, collect the mail, and go | | | | hardware, department store, or online. You should |
| back in the house. But all it takes is a thief to | | | | be able to get one at a very affordable price this |
| beat you to the mailbox by a couple of minutes. | | | | time of year. |
| Once they collect a few pieces of your mail, | | | | If you do notice someone tampering with your |
| identity thieves can easily use your personal | | | | mailbox (or the mailbox of your neighbor), obtain |
| information to charge credit cards, go on major | | | | that person's description. Immediately report them |
| spending sprees or worse. | | | | to your local police and postmaster. You can bet |
| Always include your mailbox in your plans for | | | | that if you catch someone tampering with your |
| home security. Remove your mail from your | | | | mail, this is not their first time and it will not be |
| mailbox as soon as it is delivered. If no one is | | | | their last unless you take action. Do not try to be |
| home when the mailman arrives, consider renting | | | | a hero. Let the 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. |