If my mail theft blog wasn't warning enough, this real life situation should be enough to convince you that you need to protect your mail.
Modesto, CA, couple Davis Warren and his wife Mary Elizabeth Warren face several charges of identity theft and conspiracy for crimes occurring between June and September 2005 victimizing 150 people.
They first stole mail from their victims, and then used the website PeopleFinder.com to find more personal information. The Warrens withdrew money and made online purchases in victims' names, having the packages sent to the victims' homes, where they would be waiting to pick them up. Victims began reporting packages they didn't order and mailboxes being broken into. Police finally got their first lead when they were able to trace the IP address for one of the purchases.
This is definitely proof enough that all an identity thief needs is a few key mail items, and the rest of the information can be obtained fairly easily and affordably. You should do what you can to protect your mail. An open mailbox is most vulnerable. Even if a locked box is broken into or stolen, you will know and can report it right away.
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