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Mail Boss Resources
December 2009
Tuesday December 22, 2009
Posted by: mailboss at 5:05PM PST on December 22, 2009
Holidays mean thieves have mail set in their sights 9 News - Denver, CO
Monday December 21, 2009
Posted by: mailboss at 6:53PM PST on December 21, 2009
It’s the Holidays, which means the thieves are Happy too!!! Oh yes, they are. Mail theft is pretty rampant in December, with crooks looking to steal gifts and cards from the mail. Definitely time for locking mailboxes, all around! So pardon us, for this particularly lengthy “Mail Theft Monday” - don’t say we didn’t warn you! Mail Theft On The Rise As Holidays Near Watch the video here. Central Florida News 13 - 12/16/09 (OVIEDO, FL) “Residents in one Seminole County city are receiving crime alerts after a rash of mail thefts began last week. When the mail arrives at the Daniels’ household, the smartest thing Lewis Daniels does to prevent mail theft is immediately pick up his letters. Daniels also never leaves his outgoing mail in his box overnight. “I try to do mine in the morning instead of leaving it at night,” Daniels said. Daniels lives in a one of the neighborhoods that has seen an increase in thefts. In the past week, there have been 10 different victims in two different Oviedo neighborhoods. However, that’s only the known crimes. Others may not know they’re on the victim list, too. “Person puts their mail in, comes back the next morning, the flag is down, their mail is gone,” said Lt. Dennis Lynch from the Oviedo Police Department. “They won’t know for weeks that whatever they mailed out didn’t get out.” In each of the 10 instances, the thief checked for mailboxes with the flags up and made off with the goods. Police said there are some simple steps to follow to keep your valuables from falling in the wrong hands. “If you have checks that you’re having delivered to your house, you might want to consider having them delivered to your local bank,” Lynch said. Other tips include depositing mail in a blue postal collection box, and making sure your mailbox is in good condition. Exposed mail can make it attractive to thieves or if you can purchase a locked mail box. “If they would, homeowners would go to a lock box system, but I like getting my mail in front of my house,” Daniels said. It’s a convenience that should come with a warning, especially this time of the year when thieves know gifts, gift cards and Christmas cash can often be found inside vulnerable boxes. [...]” Holidays mean thieves have mail set in their sights 9 News - 12/16/09 (DENVER, CO) “It is a crime in which victims often do not even know they are victims. Paul McPherson of Westminster says he would have had no idea someone stole letters from his mailbox if a neighbor had not delivered a greeting card and envelope he found in the street. The envelope was torn open along the side. “I think they went through our mailbox and pulled out anything that looked like a greeting card,” McPherson said. He believes the mail thieves were after cash or gift cards. Federal agents with the United States Postal Inspection Service say they see the numbers of reported mail thefts go up around the holidays. Crooks look for specific envelopes, according to Jeff Reed, United States Postal Inspection Service spokesman. “If they see what looks like a greeting card envelope being sent in someone’s mailbox or on top of a mailbox or at your residence on top of a slot to be picked up, then that invites them to open it up,” Reed told 9Wants to Know. The Postal Inspection Service has agents dedicated to tracking down crooks who steal mail, but declined to give the specific number of agents. “We take [mail theft] very seriously,” he said. Anyone caught stealing or tampering with mail faces five years in a federal prison and a $250,000 fine. In the Denver area last year, the Postal Inspection Service mail theft team arrested more than 60 people for allegedly stealing mail. Agents identified 232 victims who lost a total of $239,000. Reed says that may seem like a high number of victims, but adds that the United States Postal Service delivers more than 175 billion pieces of mail each year. McPherson says he has decided not to give crooks a chance to get his mail again. He has rented a post office box for the rest of the holidays. “We’re being a lot more vigilant about the mail,” McPherson said. He encourages everyone to be watchful and ask questions if they see someone or something out of place in their neighborhood. “The idea that even in a quiet neighborhood you still have theft issues and concerns is unsettling,” he said. Postal inspectors say another option when you are expecting an important piece of mail is to have the postal service hold your mail at the post office until you can pick it up in person. The post office will do this for free. If you think you are a victim of mail theft, investigators ask that you file a police report and file a report with the United States Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455. [...]” Kilgore: Two men charged with mail theft News-Journal - 12/16/09 (KILGORE, TX) “Two men were held without bond Tuesday in the Kaufman County Jail in connection with mail thefts in Kilgore. Nicholes Adam Hale, 20, and Jerhamee Stewart, 30, both of Kilgore, were arrested as they were trying to return a computer purchased with a counterfeit check to a Walmart store in Terrell, according to Kilgore police. Terrell police found evidence in the men’s vehicle linking them to the thefts in Kilgore, police said. Police said the men used checks stolen from mailboxes to create counterfeit checks, which were used to buy computers and later returned for cash refunds.” Police Bust Possible Identity Theft Ring: Officers discover 61 pieces of stolen personal information NBC DFW - 12/16/09 (DALLAS, TX) “Dallas police said they believe they have broken up a major identity-theft ring. Officers discovered all kinds of stolen personal information inside a motel room on Finnell Street. Police arrested Mark Anthony, but investigators said they believe he may be part of a larger operative of identity thieves. Police said they suspect the thieves may be getting personal information from people’s mailboxes. “Right now, there could be hundreds of victims,” Senior Cpl. Janice Crowther said. “If it should have been in the U.S. mail stream and it was taken by Mr. Anthony, he will be charged with mail theft,” said Amanda McMurrey, an inspector for the U.S. Postal Service. Dallas police said they confiscated 61 pieces of mail in the motel room, none of which had Anthony’s name on it. Eddie Jones, a Dallas accountant whose identity was recently stolen, said he hopes one of those pieces of mail has his name on it. “I hope I am one of those guys, obviously, so maybe it will stop,” he said. Jones called the experience a financial nightmare. “It’s just ongoing, every day something new can happen, that you have to go fix,” he said. Police say mail theft has been a problem as of late, particularly in North Dallas, where Jones lives. “None of us have locking mailboxes, and maybe we should,” Jones said. “Then your mail is safe when the postman drops it off.” Stealing a piece of mail is punishable by up to five years in prison, according to McMurrey. Anthony was being held in the Dallas County Jail on $81,000 bail as of Tuesday night.” Public urged to report stolen mail Daily Bulletin - 12/15/09 (INLAND VALLEY, CA) “During this holiday season, when packages are wrapped with care and shipped off to friends and family across the country, officials with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are asking people to report any suspicious activity or mail theft. Stealing mail is a federal offense, according to the news release, and thieves could receive up to five years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000. To make a report, go to http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov and use the mail theft reporting form or call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, 1-877-876-2455.
News Times - 12/15/09 (NEW MILFORD, CT) “It’s the time of year when cards, packages and circulars are as common as snowflakes, so Jennifer Lipari of Upper Reservoir Road was a little surprised Monday to find her mailbox completely devoid of the normal holiday contents. “I thought it was pretty unusual that we didn’t even get any Christmas cards,” she said. A friend, who lives two streets away, showed up at Lipari’s front door Tuesday morning with a handful of cards and packages addressed to Lipari, all ripped open and dumped near the friend’s home. Lipari was far from the only victim, New Milford police said Tuesday. Sometime late Monday or early Tuesday an unknown person or person drove through the area, looted dozens of mailboxes, and stole whatever valuables they contained. Most of the mail was opened and sorted through before it was discarded, said Officer Carla Tencza. “Items were clearly stolen, based on the empty packaging and envelopes.” It’s not known how many residents were victimized. Tencza said the trunk of her cruiser “was pretty full” before she returned the discarded mail to the post office. [...] Most of the stolen items were likely Christmas gifts and cards containing cash that people typically send to loved ones during the holiday season. “This happens every year around this time,” said a supervisor at the post office on Main Street, who didn’t want to be identified because he wasn’t authorized to talk to the media. “It’s one of the reasons we tell people not to send cash through the mail.” A partial list of streets where the thefts occurred included Broadview Lane, Upper Reservoir Road, Mia Bella Drive, Great Brook Road and Timber Lane, police said. Mail is usually delivered to those neighborhoods in the middle to late afternoon, according to residents. But the post official noted Dec. 14 is traditionally the biggest volume day of the year, and Tencza theorized carriers may have been running later than normal, and many customers, believing they simply hadn’t received any mail, left it in the boxes overnight. Several residents contacted by The News-Times said they hadn’t been victimized, at least to their knowledge. “How would you know?” one woman said. “You’d just think you didn’t get any mail that day.” [...] Police are urging residents to collect their mail as soon as possible to avoid similar incidents, and to avoid sending cash or other valuables through the mail. [...]” Police Investigate Theft Of Mail Left For Carrier WGAL 8 - 12/15/09 (WEST DONEGAL TOWNSHIP, PA) “Northwest Regional Police in Lancaster County are investigating the theft of mail from residential mail boxes. Over the past week, someone has removed mail from several roadside boxes in West Donegal Township before the carrier could pick it up, the police chief said. Residents who have put mail out for the carrier should verify their letters have been delivered.” Fargo woman pleads not guilty to fraud Grand Forks Herald - 12/15/09 (FARGO, ND) “A Fargo woman has pleaded not guilty in an alleged credit card conspiracy.Kelima Smailagic made her initial appearance Monday in federal court. She is charged with 13 counts, including conspiracy to commit bank fraud, identity theft and mail theft. Authorities say the conspiracy involved about $45,000. [...]” Mail goes missing in West Donegal Township: Police suspect thieves looking for holiday bounty Lancaster Online - 12/14/09 (LANCASTER, PA) “Police in West Donegal Township are encouraging residents to be cautious when mailing cash and gift cards from home this holiday season. Within the past week, mail has been stolen from several mailboxes in the area of Westminster and Olde Forge drives, Northwest Regional police Chief Sam Gatchell said Monday. Police believe the thefts occurred when residents placed outgoing mail in roadside mailboxes and thieves got to the items before the mail carrier did, Gatchell said. He said police discovered the thefts when someone found discarded mail that was not postmarked. Considering the time of year, thieves likely are looking for holiday cards stuffed with cash and gift cards, Gatchell said. He said police are notifying victims and are asking residents who had placed outgoing mail in boxes to verify receipt of the items. “We certainly don’t want to see anyone get a delinquent notice on a bill or find out too late that a gift wasn’t received,” Gatchell said. In light of the incidents, police are urging residents to consider dropping off mail at the post office. Monday December 14, 2009
Posted by: mailboss at 3:28PM PST on December 14, 2009
Law and Order: Marana teens indicted in mail theft, damage (TUSCON, AZ) “Two Marana teenagers were indicted Wednesday on federal mail theft and postal damage charges. [Raines] 18, and [Nichols] 19, were arrested Nov. 4 by Pima County sheriff’s deputies who were investigating a series of fires started in Marana [...]. Raines was found in possession of a prescription drug bottle belonging to a Marana man who told deputies he receives his prescriptions through the mail, court records show. When deputies went to the Marana man’s home they found partially burned mail inside his mailbox and an empty envelope the medication had been mailed in on the ground next to footprints that were matched to Raines and Nichols, court records show. The teenagers are scheduled to be arraigned Dec. 23.” Police seek to put end to mail theft (KILGORE, TX) “The Kilgore Police Department is warning residents to keep an eye on their mailboxes. The department has received five reports of stolen mail this week, an official said Thursday. The thefts — all of outgoing mail — occurred at local businesses and homes near north Texas 135 and at a housing complex off Danville Street. “They were going through the mailboxes, and they actually took some checks,” Lt. Roman Roberson said. The checks were removed from their envelopes and placed back into the boxes, which suggests that someone planned to commit forgery, counterfeiting or identity theft, he said. “There’s a lot of things that go through the mail that have personal information on them.” [...] “The best thing to do (to prevent mail theft) is when you send mail take it to the post office,” Roberson said. “Be aware of when the mail comes, don’t leave it in the box overnight.” Roberson said a locked mail box also is a good investment. Often, people aren’t aware their mail has been taken because the empty envelopes are removed from the box, he said. [...]” Seventh person pleads guilty in Fairbanks area mail thefts (FAIRBANKS, AK) “A seventh person has pleaded guilty to a role in a mail theft ring that targeted neighborhoods outside of Fairbanks. [Malyk] of Delta Junction pleaded guilty Wednesday to a charge of second-degree felony theft as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors. [...] Malyk is believed to have been part of a group of about 10 people who stole checks and credit cards from mailboxes in the outlying areas of Fairbanks. On one occasion, Malyk cashed a stolen check for $1,400 at Walmart, according to court records. Local law enforcement agencies received more than 700 reports of mail theft or tampering from September to December 2008. Cases ranged in severity from displaced mail being found at the side of the road to stolen checks and credit cards being used to purchase thousands of dollars worth of items from local businesses. Authorities estimated losses in the range of tens of thousands of dollars. Drugs, specifically methamphetamine, were the main motive for the thefts. [...]” Numerous mailboxes damaged in N. Arizona vandalism spree (PAULDEN, AZ) “Officials with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office are investigating vandalism in a northern Arizona neighborhood after multiple mailboxes were damaged [...]. Dwight D’Evelyn with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to several reports of mailbox vandalism in Paulden on December 5th. A majority of the mailboxes were reportedly located on Feather Mountain Road and surrounding streets including Big Chino Road, Annie Road, Big Sky Road and Antelope Road. A short time later, deputies investigated additional mailbox vandalism in a neighborhood adjacent to Old Highway 89 in Paulden, according to D’Evelyn. Deputies believe unknown suspects apparently used a bat or similar object to strike and damage the mailboxes. Many were found with the doors open, but there were no reports of mail theft. D’Evelyn said it is likely the crimes occurred during the late evening to early morning hours. A suspicious vehicle reportedly seen in the area a day prior to the vandalism is described only as a purple and black Mazda, which contained several males. It appeared the occupants were checking some of the same mailboxes that were later found vandalized, said D’Evelyn. [...]” Police: Skipped tab leads to mail theft suspect
Mail Theft Reports (KILGORE, TX) “On Tuesday, 12-08-2009, the Kilgore Police Department received five reports of mail being stolen out of mail boxes during daytime hours. All of the incidents involved out-going mail at businesses and residences. At this time, the Kilgore [PD] has information a four door gold car may be involved in the mail thefts. Initial investigation revealed the suspect(s) are taking the mail and then removing checks out of the envelopes. This suggests the suspect(s) are attempting to obtain the checks in order to commit other crimes such as forgery, counterfeiting or identity theft. The Kilgore Police Department would recommend placing outgoing mail in a secure mailbox such as a U.S. Postal mail box or take it directly into the post office. Also be aware of when your mail is delivered in order to quickly empty the mail box. A locking mail box is most effective. [...]” Man pleads guilty to fraud, identity theft (STOCKTON, CA) “A 39-year-old Stockton man pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to fraud, identity theft and possession of stolen mail in a two-year fraud scheme. According to a news release [...] Russell Anthony Hardcastle carried out his fraud from January 2007 to June 2009. The news release said he and Lacey Renee Cox, 27, also of Stockton, had been using stolen identities to open credit card accounts and to cash stolen and forged checks. The two also stole checks from the mail, the government said. Hardcastle was on parole when he committed the fraud. Hardcastle pleaded guilty to felony bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and possession of stolen mail. His sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 17. [...] Both are facing up to 30 years in prison on the charge of bank fraud, a minimum of two years for identity theft and up to five more years for possessing stolen mail. They may also have to pay restitution of up to $1.5 million.” Gift cards no gift if they don’t arrive to recipients (CINCINNATI, OH) “Consumers bought an estimated $66 billion worth of gift cards last year and as we get closer to the holidays many are thinking of getting such cards this year. But, you need to be very careful if you’re planning on sending such cards through the mail. Pete Stoffolano of Mason put a gift card in the envelope with his mother’s birthday card and mailed it to an address in New York state. “The postman brought it to the door and he asked her to come out. The card had been completely ripped open at the top and he asked her to take out the birthday card inside and see if anything was missing. She pulled out the card and there was no gift card,” he said. Stoffolano had told her he was enclosing a $25 Applebee’s gift card and she expressed dismay when it wasn’t there. “He told her there have been some occasions of gift cards missing, especially out of birthday cards. He retained the envelope and said they were going to forward it to whomever does investigations,” said Stoffolano. [...] Interesting, the back of the Applebee’s gift card does say you need to “Protect the card like cash,” because it really is just that, as good as cash. “People used to say never send cash through the mail. That’s an obvious thing. Well, apparently gift cards are just like cash and apparently it’s easy to tell they’re in the envelope,” Stoffolano said. Although many companies, like Applebee’s, state they won’t replace a gift card if it’s lost or stolen, others will replace them if you still have the original receipt - not just a credit card receipt. Bottom line, should you decide to send a gift card through the mail, first check the replacement policy on the card because you may have to take out insurance with the postal service in order to protect yourself if the card gets lost or stolen.” Police arrest two people in GTA mail thefts (TORONTO, ON) “Two people face more than 200 charges of mail theft after a Canada Post employee alerted police. The employee called police [...] after witnessing the theft of mail from boxes in the Richmond Hill area. When officers approached a suspect vehicle, they saw a man trying to stuff letters under the seat and into a knapsack. Police say they seized numerous checks and other pieces of mail from addresses in York Region, Toronto and Mississauga. Both [suspects] face 201 charges of mail theft, seven counts of possession of stolen property, and other charges. [...]“ Friday December 11, 2009
Posted by: mailboss at 5:48PM PST on December 11, 2009
Apparently, desperate times call for desperate measures There, I Fixed It is a humorous site that celebrates “iconic images of mankind’s eternal struggle to hammer square pegs into round holes (with duct tape.)” If you haven’t already done so, I highly recommend you check it out if you’re in need of a good laugh, and who isn’t? Anyway, they have some great Mailbox: There, I Fixed It submissions that I want to share with you all on this lovely Friday. But before I do, I just want to point out… as ridiculous as some of these “DIY” mailboxes look, they are just as good as your average rural mailbox in terms of security. So, if you’re not interested in protecting yourself against mail-identity theft, the next time a mailbox vandal or snow-plow takes out your box, you might consider looking below for some inspiration… I’m sure some duct tape and a few household objects will fix her right up!!! (Of course, we recommend a secure locking mailbox. Just sayin…)  Mailbox baseball now has a whole new risk element.  Gives new meaning to "getting caught with your hand in the cookie jar"  mail always comes at 12:00, 12:00, 12:00, 12:00...  The mailbox trees are sprouting early this season. Monday December 7, 2009
Posted by: mailboss at 6:07PM PST on December 7, 2009
Editor’s Note: Emphases added. Routine traffic stop turns into mail theft case Daily Democrat - 12/3/09 (WOODLAND, CA) “An otherwise routine vehicle stop led to the arrest of a Woodland man who now stands accused of mail theft - a federal crime. Sgt. Bret Hancock reported the incident Wednesday morning. He said the initial traffic stop occurred around 12:50 a.m., Monday. That’s when a vehicle driven by 33-year-old Carlos Imbert was pulled over [...]. Imbert, a Woodland man, was discovered to be in possession of a large quantity of mail belonging to other people, Hancock reported. After further investigation, police concluded that Imbert had burglarized several mail boxes at the post office located at 720 Court St. in downtown Woodland. He reported that one week earlier, mail boxes had also been burglarized at the post office located at 108 W. Main St. [...] Mail from that burglary was recovered inside his residence. “This incident is still under investigation by our department and the U.S. Postal Inspector as well,” Hancock reported.” Co-defendant of Hill gatecrasher pleads guilty to federal charges (SALT LAKE CITY, UT) “The co- defendant of the man who crashed a stolen vehicle into a Hill Air Force Base gate has pleaded guilty to two federal charges. [King] of Salt Lake City, appeared before U.S. Judge Dee Benson on Tuesday. King pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. [...] According to court documents, officers found documents inside the vehicle indicating the two were working together and had obtained the identification of 59 people through burglaries and thefts. [...] King faces a mandatory sentence of two years in a federal prison for the aggravated identity theft. [...] Quintana has a trial set for Jan. 25 for his federal charges, which include conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of stolen mail and destruction of property in the Special and Maritime Jurisdiction of the United States. [...]” Woodland Man Accused of Mail Theft (WOODLAND, CA) “A vehicle stop in Woodland led to the arrest of a man accused of mail theft, police said. At about 12:50 a.m. Monday, a vehicle driven by 33-year-old Carlos Imbert was pulled over for apparent vehicle code violations at Second and Cross streets. Imbert, a Woodland resident, was in possession of a large quantity of mail belonging to other people, investigators said. After further investigation, police concluded that Imbert had burglarized several mail boxes at the post office located at 720 Court St. A week prior, mail boxes were burglarized at the post office located on West Main Street. With this in mind, a search warrant was obtained and Imbert’s residence was searched. Mail from the earlier burglary was recovered inside his residence, police said. Imbert was booked at the Yolo County Jail on suspicion of burglary, possession of burglary tools and possession of stolen property.” Police: Packages Stolen From Outside Bedford Homes (BEDFORD, NH) “A Bedford resident reported that some packages delivered to a home had been stolen. Police said the packages had been left on the steps of a McQuade Brook Road home and were stolen sometime between late afternoon and early evening Monday. Officers investigating the complaint found discarded packaging material from other packages that had been delivered to other homes. Police said they believe there were two other thefts in the area, from homes on Grafton and Wentworth drives. Anyone with information was asked to call Bedford police at 603-472-5113.” Two more BHC mail theft suspects sentenced (KINGMAN, AZ) Two more suspects involved in a series of mailbox thefts in the Bullhead City area in May were recently sentenced in Superior Court to prison. [...] Trials also have been set for two remaining codefendants. Bullhead City police officers arrested Welch, Bowersox and Marcum June 11 at a Krueger Lane home. Police searched the home and allegedly found stolen mail, drug paraphernalia and homemade counterfeit keys used to break into cluster mailboxes in 10 neighborhoods throughout the Bullhead City area. Also on June 11, Kingman police officers arrested Wheeler, Breitkopf and Currier for allegedly trying to cash stolen checks in Kingman. On June 12, Bullhead City police officers arrested Jackman in connection with the alleged mail thefts. Wolf turned herself in July 24. She was originally arrested June 5 for allegedly trying to pass a stolen check at a Needles bank.
Identity thief says fraudulently-obtained funds helped pay her rent Kelowna.com - 11/30/09 (KELOWNA, BC) “[...] Christie Ethier appeared anything but the convincing young con woman who concocted the fake identification necessary to drain $12,000 from other people’s bank accounts. The petite woman [...] appeared in Kelowna provincial court this morning for sentencing on 15 counts relating to a seven-month crime spree that involved mail theft, fraud, personation, break and enters, and much more. By virtue of her young age, guilty pleas and lack of a prior criminal record, she escaped with a sentence of house arrest, along with a stern warning that the term could turn into real jail time if she violates any of the conditions attached to her punishment. [...] Ethier was ordered not to possess break-in tools or identification, debit cards or credit cards that don’t belong to her, and must also complete 50 hours of community service. A year of probation with similar conditions is to follow. Chapman made a standalone restitution order under which three banks can go after Ethier for repayment of a total of $12,081.90. Here, in chronological order, are the offenses for which Ethier was sentenced this morning: *Nov. 3, 2008 *Nov. 7, 2008 Dec. 19, 2008 *Jan. 5, 2009 *April 22, 2009 *April 27, 2009 *May 9, 2009 *May 15, 2009
Posted by: mailboss at 5:26PM PST on December 7, 2009
Editor’s Note: This edition of Mail Theft Monday is one week late. Blame it on the Holidays Here’s the last November edition of “Mail Theft Monday“… During these busy Holidays, none of us really have the time for close reading, so I’m trying a new strategy: I’m going to put in bold what I think you should read most carefully, and that should cut down your Mail Boss Blog reading time significantly So that’s my disclaimer… emphases added below! Identity theft: One couple’s story (GREEN VALLEY, AZ) “Bill and Dorothy McKenna of Green Valley learned through experience that identity theft can turn your world upside down, and only through hours of phone calls and getting others involved can you make it right again. State [Asst AG] called identity theft “a very debilitating type of fraud” at the Senior Anti-Crime workshop in Tucson this month. He said retirees are easy targets and Arizona is the top state for reporting identity thefts, [...]. Identity theft, according to the [BBB], “involves the deliberate use of false or stolen information such as a person’s name, birth date, Social Security number, address or bank account to obtain merchandise and cash.” It’s also the fastest-growing crime in the nation. Stolen driver’s license numbers and access to personal identification numbers (PINs) and Internet passwords also provide opportunities for identity theft. [...] Identity theft can happen via a stolen or lost wallet, “dumpster diving” to retrieve personal information, home theft and mail taken from an unlocked mailbox even though mail theft is a federal crime. [...] [...] If you become a victim of identity theft, the [AG]’s office suggests you act immediately. The BBB said people don’t know they’ve had their identity stolen until they get calls from collection agencies, significant charges show up on bills for purchases they never made, they are denied the ability to rent or buy a home or are contacted by the police after crimes are committed in their names. Victims should immediately call one of the three credit bureaus and place a fraud alert on their credit file. File a police report immediately and get copies as proof of the crime to submit to creditors. File a complaint with the [FTC]. Close accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. [...]” Gates Mills Police Blotter: Mail stolen (CLEVELAND, OH) “THEFT, RIVERVIEW ROAD: At about 4 p.m. Nov. 17, a woman went to the police station to report the theft of her mail. Police investigated and found that the mail was stolen from the woman’s mailbox around Nov. 16. Police are seeking help in solving the crime. Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact Detective Barnes at (440) 423-4456.” Tulare man gets 9 years in prison on drug, identity theft charges (VISALIA, CA) “A Tulare man was sentenced to nine years in prison Tuesday after pleading no contest to possession of methamphetamine for sale, identity theft, possession of stolen property and possession of equipment to scan credit cards. [...] In August, officers searched cars associated with Rodriguez and others and found more than $4,600 and 260 grams of methamphetamine in one vehicle [...]. More than 147 grams of methamphetamine was found in another vehicle [...]. A search of Rodriguez’s home found stolen driver’s licenses, credit applications, forged checks and stolen mail, prosecutors said. [...] A dozen forged driver’s licenses with Rodriguez’s photograph were located as well, prosecutors said.” 3 arrested in identity theft investigation (CORVALLIS, OR) “The Benton County Sheriff’s Office announced [...] the arrests of three people in an identity theft case and say that more arrests could follow. Investigators recovered stolen driver’s licenses, credit cards, Social Security cards, checks, stolen mail, a stolen laptop and printer and methamphetamine after executing a search warrant Nov. 12 [...]. According to the press release, Neil and McLaren, who had no listed address, also were in possession of blank check paper and magnetic ink, which is used to make checks bank-compliant. Neil was jailed on charges of identity theft, forgery, fraudulent use of credit card, theft, mail theft and a fugitive warrant out of California. Mclaren was arrested for identity theft, fraudulent use of credit card, theft and mail theft. Investigators also took into evidence several pieces of mail that had been stolen was from the Crescent Valley and Vineyard Mountain area. [...] Seized from the Herrmann residence were stolen credit cards, a stolen driver’s license and stolen mail. Also seized from the residence was a digital scale, packaging material for controlled substances and a small amount of methamphetamine. [...]“ Tuesday December 1, 2009
Posted by: mailboss at 8:56PM PST on December 1, 2009
Sorry we’ve been so quiet lately, but things have been crazy! First Thanksgiving weekend, and now we’re in…. Kansas City, Missouri!
This is our first time attending the Sutherlands “College of Knowledge” at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kansas. The College of Knowledge is Sutherlands’ version of a tradeshow, but much more scaled down than what we’re used to seeing in Vegas or Atlanta. Vendors (that’s us!) are here by invitation only (aren’t we special!), and all of the Sutherlands store locations go to each and every booth. It’s rather nice, here… intimate, anyway. We have had a chance to talk to about 30 or so Sutherlands stores so far, and one thing I have noticed is that the store owners and managers are so FRIENDLY to us and ATTENTIVE to “the Mail Boss story”… I rather like that! And we had Kansas City Jack Stack BBQ for dinner tonight (paid for by the College of Knowledge), so that was a big plus
Anyway, more on this in the coming days, but for now just know - exciting things are happening for the Mail Boss locking security mailbox!! Now, back to my glass of wine and networking… |
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(WACO, TX) “Waco Police have arrested a man they believe may have been involved in numerous thefts of checks and credit cards from mailboxes in Waco and Woodway. Kim Russell Turnquist was initially approached by police checking after allegedly walking out on a tab walked at a local pizza place. When they went to his room at the Sandman Motel, they discovered a large collection of checks and credit cards. Police say they suspect many were taken out of area mailboxes. Police say he had been living at the motel for about four months with his only employment being odd jobs.”
