One of the first signs of identity theft via mail theft is a sudden decrease in the volume of mail you receive—particularly financial statements, bills, or credit card offers. If you notice you’re no longer getting expected mail, someone may have submitted a fraudulent change-of-address request or is intercepting your mail to hide evidence of theft.
Other warning signs include receiving credit cards you didn’t apply for, unexpected collection notices, or unfamiliar accounts showing up on your credit report. You may also be contacted about purchases, loans, or rental applications you never initiated. If a thief uses your mail to commit identity theft, the resulting damage may be widespread, affecting your finances, credit score, and even legal standing.
To confirm whether mail theft is the source of identity theft, request your credit reports from all three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). Look for accounts you don’t recognize or inquiries you never authorized. You can also contact the USPS to see if a change-of-address request was submitted in your name.
If any suspicious activity is detected, report it immediately. You should also file an identity theft report with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov and consider working with a consumer protection attorney to help you dispute fraudulent accounts and recover your identity.
