Update on Mailbox Fishing

[no_hypocrisy]

I had my credit card bill "fished" from inside a mailbox in front of my post office about six weeks ago. Apparently this felony is pervasive around north Jersey.

I haven't lost a cent (yet) due to re-organization of my assets and credit:

1. I closed the credit card and requested a new one. I had to contact businesses that automatically debit from the old card (AOL, EZ Pass, computer maintenance).

2. I closed my checking account and transferred the balance to a new account.

3. I've contacted Transamerica and Equifax about the potential for identity theft as well as my credit card issuer.

4. At least my mail goes in a slot in my door and can't be accessed.

OTOH, whomever has my name, address, and signature. Not much I can do about that.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

1. What does that mean?

Did they actually fish mail out of a drop-off mail box, so they got your payment envelope you were sending? Hence, they got all of your account info. I believe that's a serious federal offense - tampering with the mail. Perhaps there was surveillance video.

Thanks for posting that event and your actions.

.....

[no_hypocrisy]

2. This article will explain what happened. Apparently it's ubiquitous around my neck of the woods.

https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/crime/2018/04/17/mail-fishing-thefts-rise-north-jersey/486534002/

[KY_EnviroGuy]

3. Thanks, that was instructive.

Sounds like they need one-way trap doors in the mail boxes, so items can go in but not come out.