Newest ID Theft Scheme -- Hold The Mail

A new scheme to steal identities has arisen: submit a "Hold Mail" request through the USPS website, then go by and pick it up later.  #idtheft

Often there are letters offering lines of credit -- banks, department stores, etc. -- especially at this time of year.  With the mail being held, you won't get those offers or even know they came.  The thief picks up the mail, fills out the applications with a different address, gets the cards, and charges away. By the time the creditor gets the bill properly to you, you owe tons of money.  Or your credit is shot for not paying your bill.

The postal service acknowledges this happens, and is very easy to do.

Services like IDShield (http://idtheft.nscky.com) and Lifelock will watch for change of address and new accounts and alert you.  Otherwise, you might never know until too late.

Related article: http://abc30.com/new-identity-theft-scheme-scammers-use-us-postal-service-to-steal-information/2828711/

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