Mail Boss Locking Security Mailbox - the Official MailBoss site » Mail Boss Locking Mailboxes, secure and durable protection against mail theft and identity theft. http://www.mailboss.net MailBoss high security locking mailbox, prevents mail theft and identity theft. Locking security mailboxes, commercial mailboxes, wall mount locking mailboxes, steel mounting posts, spreader-bars, and mailbox accessories. MailBoss security mailbox safeguards your identity: peace of mind at an affordable price. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:43:43 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 en Mail Stolen - Over 100 BIG stories from Jan 2012 http://www.mailboss.net/mail-stolen-over-100-big-stories-from-jan-2012/ http://www.mailboss.net/mail-stolen-over-100-big-stories-from-jan-2012/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:43:43 +0000 MailBoss http://www.mailboss.net/?p=2884 Alright, here it is. A list of all the mail theft stories across the nation in the past month. We have given up on summarizing these stories here, because frankly, there are just too dang many of them! So here…

]]> Alright, here it is. A list of all the mail theft stories across the nation in the past month. We have given up on summarizing these stories here, because frankly, there are just too dang many of them! So here you have it… January in mail theft, list format! Would you believe it? There are literally over a hundred! And those are just the incidents being picked up by news outlets. It is CRAZY out there!

Jan. 1, 2012

Jan. 2, 2012

Jan. 3, 2012

Jan. 4, 2012

Jan. 5, 2012

Jan. 6, 2012

Jan. 7, 2012

Jan. 8, 2012

Jan. 9, 2012

Jan. 10, 2012

Jan. 11, 2012

Jan. 12, 2012

Jan. 13, 2012

Jan. 16, 2012

Jan. 17, 2012

Jan. 18, 2012

Jan. 19, 2012

Jan. 20, 2012

Jan. 21, 2012

Jan. 22, 2012

Jan. 23, 2010

Jan. 24, 2012

Jan. 25, 2012

 

Jan. 26, 2012

Jan. 27, 2012

Jan. 28, 2012

Jan. 29, 2012

Jan. 30, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

]]> http://www.mailboss.net/mail-stolen-over-100-big-stories-from-jan-2012/feed/ Mail-Identity Theft: The Last of 2011! http://www.mailboss.net/mail-identity-theft-the-last-of-2011/ http://www.mailboss.net/mail-identity-theft-the-last-of-2011/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:24:48 +0000 MailBoss http://www.mailboss.net/?p=2786

Here’s a round up of mail identity theft stories across the nation from December 27-30, 2011. Seriously, these posts span fewer and fewer dates as mail theft is on the rise across the nation. Trying to fit more than just…

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Here’s a round up of mail identity theft stories across the nation from December 27-30, 2011. Seriously, these posts span fewer and fewer dates as mail theft is on the rise across the nation. Trying to fit more than just a couple days of news into one blog post makes for a very long read. Well, without further ado, here are the last mail-identity theft news stories of 2011.

Strongsville, OHIO: Numerous reports of mail theft have Mason County residents on alert. The Shelton post office was broken into, and several residents also reported theft of their incoming and outgoing mail. The Postmaster cited several instances of “vandals removing mail from rural mailboxes”.

Related article:

COMMENTS: Vandals and mail thieves are not one and the same. Vandals break mailboxes. Mail thieves steal your sensitive information for fraud and identity theft. One is a nuisance. The other can ruin your good name and credit score. Mail theft is one of the leading causes of ID theft, and residents (especially in areas where mail theft is known to be occurring) should protect themselves with a high security locking mailbox like the Mail Boss.

Mason County, WASHINGTON: Numerous reports of mail theft have Mason County residents on alert. The Shelton post office was broken into, and several residents also reported theft of their incoming and outgoing mail. The Postmaster cited several instances of “vandals removing mail from rural mailboxes”.

Related article:

COMMENTS: Vandals and mail thieves are not one and the same. Vandals break mailboxes. Mail thieves steal your sensitive information for fraud and identity theft. One is a nuisance. The other can ruin your good name and credit score. Mail theft is one of the leading causes of ID theft, and residents (especially in areas where mail theft is known to be occurring) should protect themselves with a high security locking mailbox like the Mail Boss.

Helena, MONTANA: Thieves have been stealing from residential mailboxes in Helena Valley, and authorities say this is a common thing. Culprits usually target unlit roads with strings of mailboxes along the road way, rifle through mail and take what they want, discardin the rest.

Related article:

COMMENTS: Mail-identity theft is typically fueled by methamphetamine abuse. To protect yourself, use a high security locking mailbox like the Mail Boss to keep thieves from stealing your sensitive information. Another perk is it weighs 40lbs, so no more replacing your mailbox due to mailbox baseball!

Sierra Vista, ARIZONA: In Sierra Vista Mobile Home Village, thieves broke into eighteen different USPS community mailboxes and stole residential mail from hundreds of victims. All of the mail that was not taken was opened. Residents are being advised to carefully monitor their financial accounts for any suspicious activity.

Related article:

COMMENTS: Mail theft is one of the most common ways thieves obtain your sensitive information for identity theft. Thieves routinely target cluster (community) mailboxes because they house many people’s mail and can be easily violated. They use a screwdriver or crowbar to break one luck and get access to everyone’s mail. Sometimes they’re looking for cash or checks, but they’re also looking for sensitive financial information for identity theft. People who have their mail stolen from a locked mailbox are sometimes luckier, because at least they know when their mail has been stolen and can take the necessary steps to protect against fraudulent activity (i.e. issue a credit fraud alert). Most victims of mail theft (from unlocked mailboxes) do not even realize when their mail has been stolen!

Seattle, WASHINGTON: Seattle police have apprehended a mail thief after a K-9 officer stumbled upon a mail thief prowling neighborhood mailboxes in Jackson Park. They recovered about 115 pieces of stolen mail stolen from some 30 residents.

Related articles:

COMMENTS: Mail theft has been a long time problem in the Seattle area. Thieves are so brazen they will even follow the postal carrier in broad daylight stealing mail. They use their loot for fraud and identity theft. Most mail thieves are not caught, since victims don’t realize their mail has been stolen. Only in cases like this when the police get lucky do people even realize what has happened! And, when they are arrested, they usually get little more than a slap on the wrist. It’s a low-risk crime with big pay-outs for thieves, and big consequences for victims. With the plethora of sensitive information that arrives in the mail each day, residents should consider using a secure locking mailbox for protection.

Fairbanks, ALASKA: There is an ongoing investigation into a rash of mail thefts in the Fairbanks area. Troopers say thieves are after checks and credit cards; over 150 Alaskans have been victimized in the past weeks, and mail theft is an ongoing problem in the Interior. Troopers now have three suspects in custody, after they were arrested on unrelated charges and stolen mail was found in their home.

Related article:

COMMENTS: ID theft is the fastest growing crime in the country, and mail theft is one of the most common ways that thieves obtain your sensitive information. It has been going on in Fairbanks for sometime, and now is present in nearly all parts of the country. To protect yourself, use a security mailbox to keep thieves from stealing your mail, and never send sensitive documents from an unsecured mailbox. In Fairbanks, you can find the Mail Boss at Fred Meyer or Spenard Builders Supply.

Traverse City, MICHIGAN: One Traverse City resident had her passport stolen from her mailbox. Other residents in the Easy Bay Township have also reported incidents of mail theft. Police are urging residents to take precautions.

Related articles:

COMMENTS: Honestly, it is mind blowing that people receive such sensitive and valuable information as passports in an unlocked mailbox. When we travel, most of us choose to leave our passports secure in a hotel safe. Well, getting your passport in the mail is like leaving your passport in a cardboard box on the side of the street, sitting out there for anyone to steal. This applies to all of the sensitive personal and financial information we receive in the mail from day to day. With the prevalence of mail-identity theft, our mail is no longer safe in an unlocked mailbox. To protect against becoming a victim, use a secure locking mailbox like the Mail Boss.

Weston, CONNECTICUT: Police say mail thieves have struck again in Weston, after a Hidden Hill Road resident reported mail and money taken from his mailbox. One of the stolen checks was forged and cashed. Reportedly, the mail thieves also stole from residential mailboxes along Brookwood Lane and Deepwood Road.

Related articles:

COMMENTS: Mail theft has been a growing problem in Weston with reports increasing even just the past few weeks! To protect yourself, you should use a secure locking mailbox to keep thieves from stealing your sensitive personal and financial information. In addition, never send sensitive mail - checks, bill payments, etc. - from an unsecured mailbox. Bring them directly to the post office or use online bill pay - it’s safer!

Texarkana, ARKANSAS: Texarkana police have identified two suspects - Joanna Shope and Brandon Neal - in connection with a recent string of mail thefts. Last week, several residents reported mail stolen including checks and other sensitive financial correspondence.

Related article:

COMMENTS: Don’t these two look like a couple class acts? Historically we haven’t seen a tremendous amount of mail theft in these parts, but it’s becoming more and more common. Remember just six months ago a similar story out of Texarkana… another couple was indicted for stealing from residential mailboxes. To protect yourself, use the Mail Boss high security mailbox, available in Texarkana if you ask for it by name at Dot’s Ace Hardware.

POLICE BLOTTERS Nationwide: Residents are reporting theft of incoming and outgoing mail on a regular basis across the nation. Sometimes thefts happen during the day while other times thieves strike at night. A compilation of police blotters are included below.

Related articles:

COMMENTS: Mail thefts are frequently included in police blotters when there are just a few incidents here are there - not enough for a big story. That said, most victims of mail theft do not even realize when their mail has been stolen, and many more do not know they should report mail theft to the police. Here is a primer on what to do if your mail is stolen.

]]> http://www.mailboss.net/mail-identity-theft-the-last-of-2011/feed/ Reflections on Mid-States Big Show http://www.mailboss.net/reflections-on-mid-states-big-show/ http://www.mailboss.net/reflections-on-mid-states-big-show/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:13:41 +0000 Jenny http://www.mailboss.net/?p=2866 We are back from five days in Minneapolis. We were representing Mail Boss at the Mid-States Big Show, held semi-annually in the Minneapolis Convention Center. This was our fourth or fifth show with Mid-States… it’s hard to keep track.

We have several…

]]> We are back from five days in Minneapolis. We were representing Mail Boss at the Mid-States Big Show, held semi-annually in the Minneapolis Convention Center. This was our fourth or fifth show with Mid-States… it’s hard to keep track.

We have several key accounts through Mid-States that have been long time customers - specifically Coastal Farm and Ranch, and Big R CSWW. These companies have been our biggest advocates in growing the business with Mid-States, and we can’t thank them enough!

It’s been a long journey, but in the last couple of years, we have been able to get into several more key accounts, including Bomgaars, Rural King, and most recently Mills Fleet Farm and Orscheln. After this most recent show, we hope to add several more big names to that list!

Anyway, here are a few of my reflections on this most recent experience:

Minneapolis in January is flipping cold. Walking from the hotel to the Convention Center takes only about five minutes. In this time, your hands and face go numb. I would compare it to riding up a chair lift without a hat or gloves. Really special.

The Midwest is going digital. Members’ online business is growing and they are optimizing their online presence and offerings. They report their customers are going online to buy more and more, and are willing to pay for the convenience factor. Well, that makes sense!

Gone are the days of mail security in rural towns. It used to be that people in the middle of the country believed mail theft did not happen in their area. Some claimed mail thieves would be shot. Others simply had never heard of such a thing. Well, thanks to the meth epidemic and widely reported incidents of mail theft in rural areas, most buyers now know that mail theft is, indeed, a problem.

Buyers are people. Some people are jerks. By the transitive property, then, some buyers are jerks. Maybe they didn’t have their morning coffee. Maybe they just have something against mailboxes. I don’t know. But if they don’t want to talk to us, well that’s their loss!

Mid-States members are pretty darn cool. For the most part, these are salt-of-the-earth people who are happy to talk and happy to listen. They value hard work and pride themselves on offering true solutions to their customers. This fits in line pretty nicely with our business model, and that’s swell!

Last, but not least, a few pictures. Here are a few shots of David (a.k.a. dad) and me in our booth at the show.


]]> http://www.mailboss.net/reflections-on-mid-states-big-show/feed/ New Year, New Stories! http://www.mailboss.net/new-year-new-stories/ http://www.mailboss.net/new-year-new-stories/#comments Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:34:13 +0000 MailBoss http://www.mailboss.net/?p=2861 With the new year, comes new stories of our Mail Boss surviving even the worst of collisions! This week we received an email from Mike K. who’s mailbox was recently hit by a car that lost control. Here’s the note…

]]> With the new year, comes new stories of our Mail Boss surviving even the worst of collisions! This week we received an email from Mike K. who’s mailbox was recently hit by a car that lost control. Here’s the note he sent us along with several photos of his mailbox after the hit–

“Out Mail Boss Ultimate High Security Locking Mailbox in Black was flattened by a teenage girl when she lost control of her car. The plate was bent, but, the post and the rest of the mailbox are fine, even though the young lady’s car sustained major damage. Here are the photos of our mailbox after it was slammed by the young lady’s car. Eagerly awaiting the arrival of the replacement mounting plate, bolts, and screws, so we can get this Big Boy back in action. BTW, you will notice that our newspaper carrier continued to deliver the papers even after the accident. LOL!” - Mike K.

Thanks to Mike for sending us his Mail Boss adventure along with the photos! If you have a similar experience, let us know!

]]> http://www.mailboss.net/new-year-new-stories/feed/ Mail-Identity Theft: Dec. 26-28, 2011 http://www.mailboss.net/mail-identity-theft-dec-26-28-2011/ http://www.mailboss.net/mail-identity-theft-dec-26-28-2011/#comments Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:45:42 +0000 MailBoss http://www.mailboss.net/?p=2747 Seattle, WASHINGTON: A police officer training his K-9 unit stumbled upon mail theft in progress, and apprehended two individuals. The suspects were in possession of over 115 pieces of mail, and admitted to having stolen it.

Related article:

  • Seattle Post-Intelligencer (12.28.11) - Police:…
]]> Seattle, WASHINGTON: A police officer training his K-9 unit stumbled upon mail theft in progress, and apprehended two individuals. The suspects were in possession of over 115 pieces of mail, and admitted to having stolen it.

Related article:

COMMENTS: Woohoo K-9 cop! Mail theft is a big problem in the area, and has been for some time. Residents should protect themselves with a high security locking mailbox to secure incoming mail, and never send checks or sensitive mail from an unsecured mailbox.

Redmond, WASHINGTON: During the holidays, Redmond was hit with a rash of mail theft. There were at least eight reports of mail theft from Dec. 22-26, and in one instance a Redmond resident reported finding a bunch of mail from Woodinville in his recycling bin; the mail was from 17 different people.

Related articles:

COMMENTS: Our company is based in Redmond WA and we have been providing locking mailboxes locally and nationwide since 2006. The Mail Boss can’t be beat in terms of the security it provides at such an affordable price. With the prevalence of mail-identity theft the best defense is a quality locked mailbox. Also, never send sensitive mail (checks/bill payments) from an unlocked mailbox. Bring them directly to the post office or use online bill pay - it’s more secure.

Fairbanks, ALASKA: Alaska State Troopers are investigating a rash of mail theft in the interior that has affected over 150 victims. They suspect thieves are looking for checks and other sensitive information for identity theft. Although mail theft has been a long time problem in Fairbanks and surrounding areas, this is the largest case to date this year.

Related article:

COMMENTS: As many people have noted, a locking mailbox is the way to go, especially when mail theft is an ongoing problem (as it is in many states, not just Alaska). Most locking mailboxes including the $100 ones from Home Depot can be easily fished, as a thief can get his arm into that same bin that allows for books and packages. There are videos of this on youtube and on mail theft reports in the news. The best defense is a high security locking mailbox like the Mail Boss - it can stand up to a snow plow as well! In the Fairbanks area, you can get one at Spenards or Fred Meyer, or special order from your local Ace Hardware.

Atlanta, GEORGIA: Residents in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Atlanta are warning neighbors to watch out for mail thieves, after one family had three bill payments stolen from their mailbox. Wells Fargo alerted the family to the thieves trying to cash those checks fraudulently, and stop the fraud. Authorities recommend bringing bill payments to a secure mailbox to protect yourself.

Across the city in Sandy Springs, a car wreck led police to a big break in an identity theft ring. Police found other people’s mail in the crashed vehicle, and have determined that the driver had been stealing mail and using the information to apply for credit cards, and then stealing the credit cards from the mail too! None of the victims were aware their mail and identities had been stolen.

Related articles:

COMMENTS: Theft of outgoing mail is reported more often than incoming mail, but not because the crime itself is more common. Actually, victims of outgoing mail theft are just more likely to realize their checks or bill payments have been stolen, either when the thieves try to cash checks fraudulently, or when they’re notified by creditors of late bill payments. On the other hand, incoming mail theft often goes unnoticed, since most people don’t know what comes in the mail from day to day. Mail thieves are opportunistic and will steal whatever they find in your mailbox to use for check fraud and/or identity theft. To protect yourself, use a secure locking mailbox like the Mail Boss to keep incoming mail from would-be identity thieves, and never send sensitive mail (checks/bill payments) from an unsecured mailbox. Bring them directly to the post office or use online bill pay - it’s more secure!

Lubbock, Texas: A Lubbock grand jury indicted Lucian Banks for mail theft, but as part of a plea bargain he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of obstructing the mail. Banks admits he stole checks from residential mailboxes in Lubbock.

Related article:

COMMENTS: Even though mail theft is a federal crime, Banks will likely never see the inside of a prison. Mail theft is increasingly common, as the risks are low and the rewards are high! Criminals can steal checks and gift cards for the mail, or use sensitive information for identity theft. To protect yourself, use a high security locking mailbox. In Lubbock, you can find the Mail Boss at Lowe’s Market.

POLICE BLOTTERS Nationwide: Residents are reporting theft of incoming and outgoing mail on a regular basis across the nation. Sometimes thefts happen during the day while other times thieves strike at night. A compilation of police blotters are included below.

Related articles:

COMMENTS: Mail thefts are frequently included in police blotters when there are just a few incidents here are there - not enough for a big story. That said, most victims of mail theft do not even realize when their mail has been stolen, and many more do not know they should report mail theft to the police. Here is a primer on what to do if your mail is stolen.

HOLIDAY MAIL-ID THEFT Nationwide: Authorities are warning residents that mail thefts are on the rise, as opportunistic thieves are looking to steal cash, checks, gift cards and packages from the mail during the holiday season. Take precautions when sending and receiving holiday mail and packages. Use a locking mailbox and send mail with checks or gift cards from a secure mailbox. Never send cash in the mail.

Related articles:

COMMENTS: Mail theft is one of the most common ways thieves steal your information for identity theft. During the holidays (and tax season) it is more prevalent as opportunistic thieves can find gift cards, checks, etc. in the mail as well. To protect yourself, invest in a secure locking mailbox to keep thieves from stealing your personal information from the mailbox. Also, never send checks, bill payments or anything you don’t want stolen from an unsecured mailbox. Bring them directly to the post office or use online bill pay. It’s more secure! Of course, always shred sensitive documents (most of which come in your mailbox) before discarding them to thwart dumpster divers, too.

]]> http://www.mailboss.net/mail-identity-theft-dec-26-28-2011/feed/ Mail-Identity Theft: 12/23/12-12/28/12 http://www.mailboss.net/2122312-122812/ http://www.mailboss.net/2122312-122812/#comments Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:00:17 +0000 MailBoss http://www.mailboss.net/?p=2576 Woodland Hills, Georgia: Residents in Woodland Hills have reported suspected thieves rifling through their mailboxes. Authorities are urging residents to take precautions and report any suspicious activity immediately to police.

Related article:

COMMENTS: Mail…

]]> Woodland Hills, Georgia: Residents in Woodland Hills have reported suspected thieves rifling through their mailboxes. Authorities are urging residents to take precautions and report any suspicious activity immediately to police.

Related article:

COMMENTS: Mail theft is one of the most common ways thieves obtain your sensitive information for identity theft. It generally rises around the holidays when thieves are more likely to find checks and gift cards in the mail. However, it happens year round, and peaks at tax time too. To protect yourself, use a high security locking mailbox like the Mail Boss (available at your local Ace Hardware). It will keep your mail safe from would-be identity thieves, plus it’s baseball bat proof! Also, never send sensitive mail (checks, bill payments, etc.) from an unsecured mailbox. Bring them directly to the post office or use online bill pay - it’s more secure!

Coeur d’Alene, IDAHO: Mail thieves have hit CDA again this year, targeting residential mailboxes searching for Christmas cards and sensitive financial documents. Authorities have found discarded mail that has been rifled through all over town, and are urging residents to take precautions with their mail.

Related articles:

COMMENTS: This happened last year over Christmas in CDA too! People are more likely to notice over the holidays when mail goes missing, as they don’t receive their usual Christmas cards or the like. However, thieves are targeting residential mailboxes year-round to obtain sensitive information for identity theft. Most people don’t even realize when their mail has been stolen. The best solution is a locking mailbox. In CDA you can get the Mail Boss at the new Big R (formerly D&B Supply) or at Seright’s Ace Hardware.

Freeport, ILLINOIS: A recent rash of mail thefts in East Dubuque has Jo Daviess County sheriff’s deputies asking residents for help in identifying suspects. The thieves apparently targeted residential mailboxes in late December, stealing Christmas cards and other mail.

Related article:

COMMENTS: Mail theft tends to increase around the holidays, but occurs all year long as one of the most common ways thieves obtain your sensitive information for identity theft. To protect yourself, use a high security locking mailbox like the Mail Boss to prevent thieves from stealing your financial documents and other mail.

Marysville, WASHINGTON: Police are recommending charges for four individuals after an eleven month investigation in Snohomish County. The suspects have been identified for offenses including burglary, trafficking in stolen property, mail theft and identity theft.

Related article:

COMMENTS: Marysville has had a serious mail-identity theft problem (tied with the meth epidemic) for some time. To protect yourself, use a high security locking mailbox like the Mail Boss, and never send sensitive information from an unsecured mailbox. Bring checks and bill payments directly to the post office or use online bill pay - it’s more secure.

Bremerton, WASHINGTON: Two mail thieves were arrested after a Bremerton resident reported suspicious individuals rifling through mailboxes. Police found them in possession of more than 60 mail items from 34 Bremerton addresses, as well as methamphetamine.

Related article:

COMMENTS: Mail theft is a leading cause of identity theft, and is often fueled by methamphetamine addiction. Meth heads steal mail to sell for drugs or trade for money for drugs. Both identity theft and meth addiction are fast growing problems, so residents need to take precautions to protect themselves. Specifically, get a high security locking mailbox to keep thieves from stealing your sensitive mail. In Bremerton you can find MailBoss at Fred Meyer or nearby at Scott McLendon’s Hardware. In addition, never send sensitive information from an unsecured mailbox - bring checks and bill payment directly to the post office or use online bill pay - it’s more secure.

POLICE BLOTTERS Nationwide: Residents are reporting theft of incoming and outgoing mail on a regular basis across the nation. Sometimes thefts happen during the day while other times thieves strike at night. A compilation of police blotters are included below.

Related articles:

COMMENTS: Mail thefts are frequently included in police blotters when there are just a few incidents here are there - not enough for a big story. That said, most victims of mail theft do not even realize when their mail has been stolen, and many more do not know they should report mail theft to the police. Here is a primer on what to do if your mail is stolen.

HOLIDAY MAIL-ID THEFT Nationwide: Authorities are warning residents that mail thefts are on the rise, as opportunistic thieves are looking to steal cash, checks, gift cards and packages from the mail during the holiday season. Take precautions when sending and receiving holiday mail and packages. Use a locking mailbox and send mail with checks or gift cards from a secure mailbox. Never send cash in the mail.

Related articles:

COMMENTS: Mail theft is one of the most common ways thieves steal your information for identity theft. During the holidays (and tax season) it is more prevalent as opportunistic thieves can find gift cards, checks, etc. in the mail as well. To protect yourself, invest in a secure locking mailbox to keep thieves from stealing your personal information from the mailbox. Also, never send checks, bill payments or anything you don’t want stolen from an unsecured mailbox. Bring them directly to the post office or use online bill pay. It’s more secure! Of course, always shred sensitive documents (most of which come in your mailbox) before discarding them to thwart dumpster divers, too.

]]> http://www.mailboss.net/2122312-122812/feed/ San Francisco ❤s Mail Boss http://www.mailboss.net/san-francisco-%e2%9d%a4s-mail-boss/ http://www.mailboss.net/san-francisco-%e2%9d%a4s-mail-boss/#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:52:06 +0000 MailBoss http://www.mailboss.net/?p=2660 The Mail Boss security mailbox is all the rave in the media, from coast to coast. The San Francisco Chronicle editors have featured our very own mailboxes in an article called “Mail Boss delivers identity-theft protection.”

“Though the homeowner can install the…

]]> The Mail Boss security mailbox is all the rave in the media, from coast to coast. The San Francisco Chronicle editors have featured our very own mailboxes in an article called “Mail Boss delivers identity-theft protection.”

“Though the homeowner can install the box in less than an hour, it should take much longer than that for thieves to navigate the Mail Boss’ patent-pending locking system. It’s also got an anti-pry device inside the door, is made of galvanized steel and comes in three colors.

To read the full article, click here.

]]> http://www.mailboss.net/san-francisco-%e2%9d%a4s-mail-boss/feed/ Mail Boss Featured in Locksmith Ledger http://www.mailboss.net/mail-boss-featured-in-locksmith-ledger/ http://www.mailboss.net/mail-boss-featured-in-locksmith-ledger/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:00:22 +0000 MailBoss http://www.mailboss.net/?p=2585

Our very own Mail Boss locking security mailbox was recently featured in Locksmith Leger magazine. Here’s what they have to say:

From “Meet the Mail Boss” (November 2010):

Market these secure mailboxes to customers concerned about identity fraud resulting from mail theft.

If your locksmith…

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Our very own Mail Boss locking security mailbox was recently featured in Locksmith Leger magazine. Here’s what they have to say:

From “Meet the Mail Boss” (November 2010):

Market these secure mailboxes to customers concerned about identity fraud resulting from mail theft.

If your locksmith business is located in a suburban area which has mail delivered to individual mailboxes located curbside, then Mail Boss has a very secure mail box product for you.

Doors on regular “U” shaped mail box units are simply held closed with a friction catch or magnet. Thieves know this and sensitive mail in mailboxes can be a prime target.

Identity theft has become one of the fastest growing crimes in the country. According to Mail Boss, 1 in 25 Americans are victims of ID fraud each year. The majority of ID information is compromised through low-tech methods such as stolen wallets, purses and mail. Most people do not realize that their mail was stolen. The thieves leave the junk mail and only take mail which is valuable to them.

Epoch Design is a company which manufactures wood and metal furniture in Redmond, WA. After the owner of Epoch Design had his own mail stolen two times within two months, he decided there was a need for a more secure mail box unit and the Mail Boss was developed.

Mail Boss mailboxes are designed in a similar way to a drop safe. A door at the top of the unit can be freely opened by the mailman. Protective inner baffling directs incoming mail downward to a large holding area in the Mail Boss unit. A platform in the upper area of the mailbox can hold outgoing mail for the mailman. The lower door to the holding area is equipped with a tubular lock which uses a hook cam for secure anti-pry locking.

One caption in the Mail Boss brochure shows the rear axle tire of a truck resting on the top of a Mail Boss mailbox. The Mail Boss box is undamaged, showing the strength of 12 and 14 gauge welded steel construction and stainless steel hinges. The galvanized steel mailboxes are available in powder coated finishes of black, white, granite (grey), bronze and galaxy (speckled) finishes.

Accessories include in-ground and surface mounted posts. Mail Boss mailboxes feature a Fast-Trak installation system. A special plate is first attached to the mailbox post. The Mail Boss box then slides onto the plate. Anchor bolts holding the plate and box together are mounted inside the mailbox. Once the door is locked, access to the mounting bolts is covered.

Other accessories include various spreader bars so two, three or four mail boxes can be mounted on the same post. Another accessory is a newspaper holder which can be mounted below a Mail Boss unit.

Outer dimensions of the Mail Boss is approximately 13” high, 11” wide and 19” deep. A Package Master mailbox is available for larger package deliveries. Dimensions of the Package Master are approximately 16” high, 12” wide and 19” deep.

Wall mounted Metro and Townhouse models are also available. These mailboxes project out from the wall approximately 5 3/4”.

Mail Boss products have bright packaging and contain easy-to-read impulse sale messages which will help move Mail Boss products out of your store.

Brochures and other sales helpers are available from Mail Boss.

]]> http://www.mailboss.net/mail-boss-featured-in-locksmith-ledger/feed/ Mail Boss on the Front Line http://www.mailboss.net/mail-boss-on-the-front-line/ http://www.mailboss.net/mail-boss-on-the-front-line/#comments Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:17:22 +0000 MailBoss http://www.mailboss.net/?p=2580 As you know, we love to see our customers satisfied with their brand new Mail Boss, and hearing their story. Recently Jack M. sent us some photos of his newly installed Mail Bosses, and we thought we’d share with you!…

]]> As you know, we love to see our customers satisfied with their brand new Mail Boss, and hearing their story. Recently Jack M. sent us some photos of his newly installed Mail Bosses, and we thought we’d share with you! Here’s the letter he wrote us:

Here are the pictures for your gallery. That is me in the photo.We put them on a stainless steel platform & stainless posts. I used white lettering for the numbers.

Thanks again for the replacement screws.

Jack M.

Thanks Jack, for sending us these photos! Take a look at them here:


If you have any similar photos or stories, we’d love to see them!

]]> http://www.mailboss.net/mail-boss-on-the-front-line/feed/ Mail Identity Theft- Dec. 19-23, 2011 http://www.mailboss.net/mail-identity-theft-dec-19-23-2011/ http://www.mailboss.net/mail-identity-theft-dec-19-23-2011/#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2011 01:08:52 +0000 MailBoss http://www.mailboss.net/?p=2564 The following are a round up of mail-identity theft reports, stolen mail police blotters, and mail theft advisories from across the nation, Dec. 19-Dec. 23, 2011.

Trumansburg, NEW YORK: A mail thief is pilfering mailboxes in Trumansburg. Police have found discarded…

]]> The following are a round up of mail-identity theft reports, stolen mail police blotters, and mail theft advisories from across the nation, Dec. 19-Dec. 23, 2011.

Trumansburg, NEW YORK: A mail thief is pilfering mailboxes in Trumansburg. Police have found discarded mail in the woods, and now residents are concerned about mail-identity theft.

Related article:

COMMENTS: Mail theft is one of the easiest and most common ways thieves obtain your sensitive information for identity theft. To protect yourself, use a high security locking mailbox like the Mail Boss to deter mail thieves from stealing your personal information from your mailbox.

Madison, WISCONSIN: Madison residents have had their mail tampered with, after two youngsters went through mailboxes, possibly stealing mail.

Related article:

COMMENTS: Most likely they were looking for gift cards and such in the mail. Most people still do not use locking mailboxes, in spite of the prevalence of mail identity theft. Victims of mail theft often do not realize their mail has been stolen unless the thieves are careless (as in this case) leaving mail strewn on the streets. Mail can be used for ID theft, and the majority of ID theft victims don’t know how their info was compromised. Use a high security locking mailbox to protect against mail theft.

Tukwila, WASHINGTON: A rash of mail thefts in Tukwila has police warning residents to be on the look out. Not only are thieves stealing from curbside mailboxes, they are also prying open “locked” mailboxes to steal mail. Police urge residents to get a quality locking mailbox to prevent mail theft.

Related article:

COMMENTS: Most locking mailboxes are made of poor quality materials (thin gauge metal or even plastic) and can be easily violated by would-be mail thieves. Many can be fished by hand and almost all can be popped open with a screwdriver in just a few seconds. I know this because we have performed all this during R&D for development of the Mail Boss in Redmond, WA.

Mail Boss is made of 12- and 14-gauge steel and features a patented anti-pry latch locking mechanism to deter leveraged entry. On our website you can find all sorts of videos showing the security deficiencies of our competitor’s locking mailboxes (available in the big box hardware stores). If you are going to spend money on a locking mailbox (and you should, given the prevalence of mail-identity theft) you should get one that takes longer than just a few seconds to break into!

Tacoma, WASHINGTON: A blue USPS box outside the Proctor post office was broken into by vandals who may have stolen mail. Authorities advise that mail theft rises during the holidays with thieves looking for extra opportunities to steal gifts in the mail.

Related articles:

COMMENTS: Many allegedly “secure” mailboxes actually feature low quality locking mechanisms, and can be easily violated by wanna-be identity thieves. They target mailboxes which host a wealth of sensitive personal information that can be used to steal your identity. Secure your residential mailbox - use a high security locked mailbox that cannot be easily pried open or fished by hand. Never send sensitive mail from an unsecured mailbox. Bring them DIRECTLY to the post office or use online bill pay.

Ronkonkoma, NEW YORK: Police have made arrests have made arrests after mail was stolen from mailboxes on Long Island, from Ronkonkoma to Lindenhurst. Home surveillance footage led to the arrest of two men, and a traffic stop led to the arrest of two women, allegedly responsible for recent mail thefts. Officers found over 100 pieces of stolen mail including checks at the time of the arrest.

Related article:

COMMENTS: Thieves target residential mailboxes to find sensitive information for identity theft, as well as checks and gift cards for quick cash for drugs, etc. Protect yourself with a high security locking mailbox like the Mail Boss to secure incoming mail, and never send checks or bill payments from an unsecured mailbox. Bring them directly to the post office or use online bill pay - it’s more secure.

Fairbanks, ALASKA: A contract delivery driver discovered hundreds of pieces of mail that had been stolen from residential mailboxes and spread across a large area from Farmers Loop to Chena Hot Springs. In total, there were over 30 pounds of stolen mail. While most of the mail was unopened, Christmas cards and financial documents had all been torn open.

Related article:

  • Fairbanks Daily News-Miner (12.22.11) - Mail Theft

COMMENTS: Mail theft has been an ongoing problem in the Fairbanks area! Thieves there know they can find sensitive information for ID theft (and at this time of year, cash, checks and gift cards) in your mailbox. To protect yourself, use a high security locking mailbox like the Mail Boss, available in Fairbanks at Spenards or Fred Meyer.

Medford, OREGON: A woman was sentenced to five years in prison for stealing mail and checks from residential mailboxes in Medford, Oregon. She used stolen mail to assume the identity of several victims in summer 2010.

Related articles:

COMMENTS: It’s not surprising that this woman also has a drug rap. Typically meth addicts steal mail to fund their addiction, using sensitive information from the mail for fraud and identity theft. Mail theft is on the rise and isn’t going away any time soon. To protect yourself, use a high security locking mailbox like the Mail Boss, available in Medford at Fred Meyer or your local Ace Hardware.

Maple Leaf (Seattle), WASHINGTON: Maple Leaf residents are reporting a rash of mail thefts and package thefts in the past several days. Several homeowners have interrupted would-be mail thefts in progress with vigilance, and the community is urging vigilance to thwart mail-identity thieves.

Related article:

COMMENTS: With the prevalence of mail theft in Shoreline, Lake City, Maple Leaf, and really all over Seattle, a locking mailbox is really important. Maple Leaf Ace Hardware was one of the first Ace Hardware’s to carry the Mail Boss locking mailbox so we always try to support them - they’re a really great hardware store! Remember also never to send checks/bill payments from your mailbox as thieves will look for those red flags and take your outgoing mail for check fraud.

Oakdale, MINNESOTA: A man from St. Paul was arrested this week in connection with a rash of mail thefts across the Twin Cities. Police found mail from many victims in the suspect’s car at the time of arrests, and believe communities including Oakdale, Woodbury, Maplewood, Lake Elmo, Roseville, Little Canada and St. Paul were all targeted. Police note that most of the mail confiscated included stolen incoming rather than outgoing mail.

Related article:

COMMENTS: Most reports of mail theft involve “outgoing mail” but that is not because that kind of theft is more common. It is simply because it involves check fraud, which is more easily detectable. Theft of incoming mail is one of the most common ways thieves obtain sensitive information for ID theft, but most people don’t even realize when their mail has been stolen. In fact, most victims of ID theft have no idea how their information was compromised. Only in cases like this when the suspect is apprehended with victims’ mail do people realize thieves are stealing incoming mail.

The best defense is a quality secure mailbox that can’t be fished by hand or easily pried open like the options available at Home Depot and Lowes. Frattallone’s Ace Hardware and Mills Fleet Farm carry quality secure mailboxes in the Twin Cities. In addition, follow the steps included here - don’t send sensitive mail (checks, bill payments) from an unsecured mailbox. Bring them directly to the post office or use online bill pay - it’s more secure.

Greene County, NORTH CAROLINA: A man in Snow Hill is worried someone is stealing Christmas mail after he recently found a stack of opened Christmas cards belonging to other people in his mailbox. The Snow Hill Postmaster says this is the first complaint of mail tampering in the past eighteen months.

Related articles:

COMMENTS: Mail theft is one of the easiest and most common ways thieves steal your information for fraud and identity theft. Most people don’t even realize when their mail has been stolen. It has been a long time problem on the west coast but is now spreading all across the country.

The best defense is a high security locking mailbox to keep thieves from stealing checks, bank account statements and other personal information from your mailbox. At the Ace Hardware in Snow Hill you can order the Mail Boss through the warehouse and install it in just minutes. It’s USPS approved and virtually theft proof. In addition, you shouldn’t send checks or sensitive documents from an unsecured mailbox. And of course, always shred or otherwise destroy sensitive documents (most of which come in the mailbox!) to keep thieves from stealing your ID information from the trash.

POLICE BLOTTERS Nationwide: Residents are reporting theft of incoming and outgoing mail on a regular basis across the nation. Sometimes thefts happen during the day while other times thieves strike at night. A compilation of police blotters are included below.

Related articles:

COMMENTS: Mail thefts are frequently included in police blotters when there are just a few incidents here are there - not enough for a big story. That said, most victims of mail theft do not even realize when their mail has been stolen, and many more do not know they should report mail theft to the police. Here is a primer on what to do if your mail is stolen.

HOLIDAY MAIL-ID THEFT Nationwide: Authorities are warning residents that mail thefts are on the rise, as opportunistic thieves are looking to steal cash, checks, gift cards and packages from the mail during the holiday season. Take precautions when sending and receiving holiday mail and packages. Use a locking mailbox and send mail with checks or gift cards from a secure mailbox. Never send cash in the mail.

Related articles:

COMMENTS: Mail theft rises over the holiday season as opportunistic thieves are looking for cash, checks and gift cards in the mail, but all year long they can find your sensitive information for identity theft in your mailbox. In fact, mail theft is one of the most common and easiest ways for ID thieves to steal your personal information. To protect yourself, use a locking mailbox to secure incoming mail, and never send sensitive mail from an unsecured mailbox. Take checks and bill payments directly to the post office or use online bill pay - it’s more secure. Remember, never send checks in the mail. Gift cards are same as cash. Unless your sending/receiving both ways from a secure mailbox, better to give online gift cards or find an alternative!

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