Indicators Your Mail May Be Illegally Redirected
A tech specialist recently highlighted the dangers of new cyber scams, including how to avoid them. Change-of-address scams involve seemingly benign personal details falling into the wrong hands, potentially leading to financial loss and identity theft. This type of fraud occurs when someone pretends to be you to change your mailing address with the United States Postal Service (USPS).
Once your mail is redirected to an address controlled by the scammer, they can sift through it for valuable information, enabling them to commit further fraud, such as opening loans or credit cards in your name or using your identity for other scams.
This guide details how change-of-address scams work, their consequences, and warning signs. Scammers typically acquire your name and address through people search sites, which collect and sell personal data. They then submit a change-of-address request to the USPS using your name and a new address they control. While online requests are more secure, requiring bank account confirmation, scammers often mail in requests to bypass this. The form requires a signature, but this is rarely verified, allowing scammers to forge it easily.
Once your mail is rerouted, scammers wait for sensitive documents like bank statements, tax forms, and checks to arrive, which they can use for further fraud. One severe risk is deed fraud, where they might attempt to steal your home title. However, there are signs to catch these scams early, such as a noticeable decrease in mail addressed to you personally. Mail addressed to "homeowner" or "occupant" won't be affected by such scams.
Monitoring your credit report, credit card, and bank statements is crucial. You can request a free credit report annually from one of the three credit bureaus. If you suspect unauthorized mail redirection, act quickly to regain control and mitigate stress.
Preventive measures are essential to stop change-of-address scams before they occur. Consider these steps:
1. Use personal data removal services to eliminate your information from data broker sites, reducing the chance of scammers finding your address.
2. Opt for paperless billing to minimize sensitive mail in your mailbox. Check your mail daily or have someone do it if you're away. Overflowing mailboxes can be a target for theft.
3. Secure your mailbox with a lock to deter theft, especially in areas prone to mail crime.
4. Employ identity theft protection services to monitor your personal information and alert you to suspicious activity.
5. Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to preview incoming mail, helping you detect missing items early.
6. Report any unusual activity immediately to the USPS, your bank, and the Federal Trade Commission to address the issue promptly.
Though change-of-address scams might seem unlikely, they can severely impact your finances and peace of mind if ignored. By staying vigilant, protecting your personal information, and taking proactive steps like monitoring your mail and credit, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these scams. Early detection is crucial, so act swiftly if something seems amiss.