Aug 13, 2008 7:08 pm US/Eastern
Identities Stolen Due To Post Office Loophole
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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CBS 2 has exposed a trick in a recent hidden camera investigation, where people were using the post office to commit identity theft.
CBS
CBS 2 HD exposed a trick in a recent hidden camera investigation, where people were using the U.S. Post Office to commit identity theft. Local politicians banded together Wednesday to put an end to the loophole.
In April, CBS 2 HD exposed just how easy it is for thieves to use the post office to start the identity theft process and steal from customers. Sue Simmons had $3,500 stolen after a scam artist successfully changed her address – and even worse, it can easily be prevented.
"It's still an ordeal, [and] I never know when it's going to be over," Simmons said. "I'm very afraid now, every time I go online and look up my personal info, what I'm going to find."
"Unfortunately, they send that letter out but they do nothing to stop the change of address from going through," Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Brooklyn/Queens) said.
Now, legislative leaders are banding together to bring change to the postal system.
"It's a giant bureaucracy," Councilman Peter Vallone said. "You would think alerting them to this problem would get them to solve it."
"Given that there are virtually no obstacles to committing this kind of crime, it's remarkable it doesn't happen anymore," Weiner said.
While Simmons' thief was caught and is awaiting trial, Congressman Weiner highlighted victims from around the country and estimates thousands are affected every year.
This new law would demand the post office not change the address and re-route mail until a customer is notified in writing and responds through the mail that the change is, indeed, valid.
As part of this new legislation, you will also be required to present identification when you apply for a change of address, in person, at your local post office.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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