Connecticut Post- Identity theft had an impact on 8.1 million Americans last year, costing them $45 billion in financial losses, according to Javelin Strategy and Research. Connecticut fraud complaints, many of which stem from identity theft cases, cost consumers $5.8 million last year according to the Federal Trade Commission. That is about $1,230 per incident.

“Identity theft is a rampant crime. It’s not a one-time crime, but a faceless one with residual effects that you feel for a long time afterward while you try to sort things out convincing creditors that you are not the person who spent this money,” said Fairfield Police Sgt. James Perez, a spokesman for the department, who frequently gives talks to civic organizations. “The first thing I always say is stop putting up that little red flag on your mailbox, the one that’s supposed to tell your postal carrier that there’s [outbound] mail in your box. They are not the only ones looking out for these red flags. Scammers are too. It’s a calling card to them and they are driving around on the prowl for them.”

Why? They are after what’s inside the mailbox, checks that they can alter, routing numbers, personal data, credit card numbers. “It’s an absolute treasure trove” for them, Perez said.

In 2008, Connecticut ranked number 19 nationally, with 68.8 identity complaints per 100,000 residents filed with the Federal Trade Commission, which tracks cases of consumer fraud and identity theft.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has about a dozen investigators charged with pursuing mail theft complaints in Connecticut, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspector Ken Walker said, adding that his agency has 17 active cases in Connecticut, some of which have resulted in arrests on federal charges.Read Full Article