Do You Need a Secure Mailbox
Identity theft is on the rise. Over 26 million people across America have fallen victim to the crime in 2016 and nearly half a billion dollars was stolen in 2018 due to identity theft. These are staggering and alarming numbers.
While securing your passwords and using anti-malware software are ways to protect yourself online, the key to keeping you and your data safe offline is investing in a secure and lockable mailbox.
A secure mailbox is one that is locked, and only you have the key to open it. Your mail carrier doesn’t need the key to deliver your letters, but the slots are also made in such a way that a thief would not be able to reach in the slots a grab mail.
Locking mailboxes also come in handy during the holidays. During the Christmas season, there is always an increase in mail theft, leaving many without presents for their loved ones. So, it’s always a good idea to buy a secure mailbox if you do a lot of online shopping.
1. Knowing When It’s Time to Get a Secure Mailbox
While it’s always best to secure your mailbox as a preventative measure, it’s understandable that you may not want to jump the gun. So, you should keep an eye out for any suspicious issues. If you notice that you’re missing any utility bills or packages, then it’s time to secure your mailbox.
If this is the case, the next step after buying a secure mailbox is to keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements, and you may even want to freeze your credit to stop anyone from opening up additional accounts under your name. Be diligent about checking these documents regularly and report anything suspicious. Your bank or credit card supplier will then be able to take the necessary steps to ensure that no damage is done to your finances or credit score.
2. Types of Secure Mailboxes
The term “secure mailbox” makes many people think of eyesores – industrial-looking mailboxes that would stand out in any garden. However, you can find plenty of attractive options, suited to a variety of home décor styles.
Just about every style of mailbox comes as a secured version, as well. Whether you’re after a pedestal mailbox, a wall-mounted mailbox or even a novelty mailbox, you’ll be able to find a secure option that will look great in your front yard. They are available in all styles, whether you’re looking for modern, classic, quirky or minimalistic.
If you get a lot of packages or have several people in your household, you should invest in a higher capacity mailbox. A single-family home or a couple would only need a regular or small mailbox. They certainly do come in all shapes and sizes, as well as price ranges. Depending on your needs, you can expect to pay between 120-200$ for a reliable, quality mailbox. A few good sources in 2019 (at the time of this article) are:
– Mailboxworks (one of the biggest online retailers)
– Amazon.com (click here for the search results)
– Wayfair (click here for the search results)
– Budgetmailboxes (they have less but cheaper options)
There are also plenty of options, depending on the purpose of your mailbox, in brick and mortar stores you can find locally like Lowes, Home Depot – depending on where you live. If you run a small business out of your home, you can also purchase commercial locking mailboxes, which are larger versions that can hold big packages.
No matter what option you use, secure mailboxes are very easy to install. It’s unlikely that you’ll need professional assistance, so you can start using your mailbox right away.
3. Additional Tips for Keeping Your Mailbox Secure
You can never be too cautious when it comes to protecting yourself from identity theft, and there are some preventative measures that you can take to further enhance the effectiveness of your secure mailbox. These are quick and easy tactics that will give you additional peace of mind, especially if you live in a high-traffic area.
Always ensure that your mailbox is in plain view. If you have any trees or bushes in your yard, double-check that they don’t obstruct your view of your mailbox. Thieves are more likely to target your house if they think you can’t see them through your garden.
It is also a good idea to check your mail in the evening as well as in in the morning. This way, mail won’t sit in your mailbox overnight.
Another useful tip is to sign up to an identity theft protection service. You can trust these kinds of companies to look after your credit and accounts to ensure that no one else is trying to use your identity to make big purchases.
So, if you’re worried about identity theft, there are certainly ways to prevent it. You can keep yourself safe online and offline, keeping your mail and your personal details safe.
