January '08 My Secure PC Column

Here are some things you can do to help prevent mail theft:

Take outgoing mail directly to the post office. Raised red flags on mailboxes are advertisements to mail thieves.
Collect mail promptly after delivery, if you can.
If you're going on vacation, have the post office hold your mail -- there's a simple form to fill out for this service.
Think twice before having someone collect your mail. Your nice neighbor may be an identity thief -- you never know.
Be sure the mailbox you drop your mail into is actually a mailbox. One known scam is when thieves park fake mailboxes in a busy area for a few hours, to collect mail from unsuspecting dupes.
Keep track of when valuable mail (social security check, bank statement, etc) is supposed to arrive.
Report any suspicious activity or possibly stolen mail to your post office ASAP. You will need to fill out form PS 2016.
Buy a locking mailbox.