Publication 280 Text-Only Version

Publication 280, August 2003

PSN 7610-05-000-0653

Safeguard your personal information

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is the federal law enforcement branch of the U.S. Postal Service, with primary jurisdiction in all matters infringing on the integrity of the U.S. Mail. According to the Postal Service Transformation Plan, the mission of the Postal Inspection Service is “to protect the U.S. Postal Service, its employees and its customers from criminal attack, and protect the nation’s mail system from criminal misuse.” The Postal Inspection Service has a long, proud, and successful history of fighting the criminals who attack our nation’s postal system and those who misuse it to defraud, endanger, or otherwise threaten the American public.

What is identity theft?

Identity theft occurs when a crook steals key pieces of personal identifying information, which may include a name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and mother’s maiden name, to gain access to a person’s financial accounts. Armed with this information, an identity thief may open new credit or financial accounts, buy cars, apply for loans or Social Security benefits, rent an apartment, or set up utility and phone service — in someone else’s name.

Information in this guide comes from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, financial and retail industries, and other members of the Financial Industry Mail Security Initiative (FIMSI).

Add these tips to your “must do” list to protect your identity:

1. Don’t leave mail in your mailbox overnight or on weekends.

2. Deposit mail in U.S. Postal Service collection boxes.

3. Tear up unwanted documents that contain personal information.

4. Review your consumer credit report annually.

Postal Inspectors also offer these tips for ID theft protection:

The Internet offers a convenient way to conduct business. To ensure you use it safely, never input your credit card or other financial account numbers at a Web site unless it offers a secure transaction. A secure (or “encrypted”) transaction will have these two features:

2. The URL address for the Web page changes from “http” to “https” for the page at which you input the personal data.

3. Report credit card fraud to one of the major credit reporting agencies, either online or by phone. (Due to a recent change designed to help consumers, you can report the incident to any of the three agencies, as they now share a common database.)

ID Theft: When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name
Federal Trade Commission
1-877-ID-Theft

To order, call 800-332-0317, option 4, customer service.
If you’re a member of the general public, press 2.
For a price quote, press 2.
If you’re a postal employee, press 1
For item information, press 1, then press 4.
Quick Pick Number 527

Most identity theft involves the U.S. Mail. That’s why the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is a lead agency in investigating incidents of identity theft.

Identity theft is a criminal offense. It occurs when a person knowingly transfers or uses, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person with the intent to commit or to aid or abet any unlawful activity that constitutes a violation of federal law or that constitutes a felony under any applicable state or local law. Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act, 18 USC 1028(a) (7)

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America. Learn how to protect yourself.

National Headquarters
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW
Washington DC 20260-2168