In 2003 Colorado ranked 13th amongst other states in Identity Theft complaints at 96.8 victims per 100,000
population, or 2,041 complaints.
Theft from your mailbox is one way you can become a victim.
The "tweekers" call it mailbox flipping (hitting the boxes after mail delivery) or red flag day which
refers to when people put payment for bills (out going mail) in there road side mailboxes.
Mailbox flipping: They are looking for checks/credit cards/cash. Any check that you receive in the mail
will be altered, forged and cashed. People will not be aware that they are victims until they receive bank or
credit card statements. Visa/Mastercard etc.. send courtesy checks on a regular basis. These are very popular, they
are blank checks. Recently one has been cashed for over $5000, in Grand Junction.
Red flag day: Bill paying time. Checks that are written to pay mortgages, utilities etc... are stolen,
washed in acid (giving them a blank signed check) that are then re-written and cashed. Again, people do not know
they are victims until they start hearing from bill collectors.
The boxes that are targeted are typically rural, particular in the mountains. We would advise you not to have
anything of this nature delivered to these mailboxes. Get a PO box at the local post office for these types of
deliveries.
Identity Theft is on the rise, above are some links to website with prevention tips, and information on what to
do if you become a victim.
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