Warning signs your mail has been fraudulently redirected

Once they have your mail redirected to an address they control, they can go through it at their leisure, looking for mail they can steal and information they can use to perpetrate further scams, like taking out loans or credit cards in your name or using your identity to defraud others.

A person with criminal intent gets your postal address and full name, something that's most easily done using a so-called people search site. People search sites, also known as people finder sites, are a kind of data broker that specializes in collecting, organizing and selling access to personal information. 

The form requires a signature, but this is unlikely to be verified when processing the request. So, the scammer will either find an image of your signature somewhere, steal a document that includes your signature or simply sign your name any which way. 

Now that they've redirected your mail straight into their hands, the scammer just has to patiently wait for sensitive mail to arrive. They're on the lookout for anything they can use to steal from you or defraud you. Bank statements, tax documents, checks and even your household bills can be used to commit further acts of fraud and identity theft.

The most obvious sign to watch for is a sudden and persistent drop in the amount of mail entering your mailbox. This only applies to mail addressed to you by name. Mail delivered to your address without an addressee, including mail addressed to "homeowner" or "occupant," won't be affected by a change-of-address scam.

The other major things to keep an eye on are your credit report, credit card statements and bank statements. You can request a free credit report from one of the three credit bureaus once per year.

If you have good reason to believe that someone has redirected your mail without permission, don't hesitate to take action. The sooner you catch this, the better. Here's what you can do:

Taking these steps will put you on the road to regaining control and getting through what can quickly become a stressful situation.

Prevention is better than a cure, and, luckily, there's a lot you can do to stop change-of-address scams before they start.

1. Invest in personal data removal services: Have your personal information removed from data broker databases, including people search sites. They're the first port of call for many scammers. Without these companies in the mix, scammers aren't likely to come across your address in the first place.

A reputable personal information removal service can take your data down from hundreds of sites and keep it off by resending removal requests, even as data brokers try to add your information to their databases.

2. Reduce the amount of sensitive mail in your mailbox: Start by switching to paperless options wherever available. This will dramatically reduce the amount of sensitive mail heading to your mailbox, leaving criminals with little value to steal. Check your mail daily, as soon as possible after it's delivered. Get someone to do this for you if you're away. Some redirection scams start with mail being stolen from your mailbox. Definitely avoid allowing your mailbox to overflow.

6. Report suspicious activity immediately: If you notice anything unusual, such as missing mail or unauthorized changes to your accounts, report it right away. Contact the USPS, your bank and the Federal Trade Commission to ensure the issue is documented and addressed promptly.

Change-of-address scams might sound like an unlikely threat, but they can wreak havoc on your finances and peace of mind if left unchecked. By staying alert, securing your personal information and taking proactive measures like monitoring your mail and credit, you can greatly reduce the risk of falling victim to these scams. Remember, catching fraud early is key. So, don't hesitate to act if something feels off.

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