Identity Theft Through Mail is Cause for Alarm

Identity theft through the mail can be carried out with few skills and is unfortunately more common than one would think. The enforcement arm of the U.S. Post Office (The U.S. Postal Inspectors) are responsible for breaking  more identity theft cases nationwide than any other single law enforcement group per information from the identity theft center. Mail theft is such a problem that stricter laws are being considered as penalty for these offenses.

Types of Identity Theft

The majority of mail is stolen directly from people's mail boxes but there are other more complex and aggressive techniques. Following are some forms of identity theft that occur through the mail:

• People have been known to drive up to freestanding U.S. Post Office blue mailboxes on the street and literally rip them out of the ground and drive off.
• Using screwdrivers or other simple tools to pry open weak mailbox locks
• Taking entire racks of mail from the rear of postal delivery trucks while the truck is parked and the postman is off delivering letters to a nearby house, apartment or business
• Stealing mail from group mailboxes, the type which are common in apartment buildings

What Are Thieves Looking For?

Sometimes mail thieves are looking for your private information so as to create a false ID, open up a bank account, or take out a loan or credit card in your name. A few of the more common types of theft include:

• Stealing credit cards, debit and gift cards from your mail
• Stealing new credit card application offers with your name on them, filling them out and requesting the paperwork be sent to "their address."
• Stealing prescription medications that come in the mail
• Stealing new checks
• White washing checks made out to you and putting in their name so they can cash them

Penalties for Theft

An attorney who is well versed in criminal defense can explain what the different factors are as regards penalties for theft and one should also know that theft crimes can also be charged in conjunction with other violations like forgery,  embezzlement or check fraud. Prior convictions can increase penalties as well.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a  theft crime in the Long Beach area, you will need to seek competent legal help from a  Long Beach criminal defense attorney to avoid conviction. At the Law Office of Leonard Matsuk, we have over 30 years of experience in representing clients and have tried over 300 cases before juries and judges. When your reputation, freedom and future are on the line, having an experienced and skilled attorney to work with is crucial. 

Contact a Long Beach theft crime attorney in our office to set up a free consultation and we will go over the details of your case.