Identity Theft

The Postal Service has sent out a letter making people aware of identity theft. The letter says that a recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) survey indicated that only 2% of all victims reported that the theft of their identity was connected to the mail. The letter included a brochure from the FTC with helpful tips to deter, detect and defend against identity theft. This time of year is always a good time for identity thieves because of all the tax documents being sent out. Its not uncommon to hear stories of people's mail being lifted in order to get personal information contain in the tax documents.

A 2006 report listed the following ways a personal information was obtained:

56% Method not known
16% Personal acquaintances
07% Purchase or other transaction
05% Wallet stolen
05% Company had information stolen
02% Mail
01% Computer theft
01% Phishing
07% Some other way

Useful Links:
FTC web site on Id Theft
Id Theft Center website