Collect mail daily to prevent ID theft, police advise locals

Newport Beach police are warning residents to keep a close eye on their mailboxes to avoid identity theft.

Police detectives recently discovered several identity theft victims lived close to each other on Balboa Peninsula, according the department’s Crime Prevention Unit.

Victims of identity theft in these neighborhoods reportedly had their mail stolen and later became identity theft victims, according to a news release from the police department.

Identity theft was reported on the 200 block of Fern Street, the 200 block of Orange Street, the 200 block of 15th Street, and the 1200 and 1500 blocks of West Balboa Boulevard.

ATM cards were taken from mailboxes, and the suspect returned the next day to take mail containing the victim’s PIN, according to police. Mail holding credit card convenience checks were stolen and used to get cash.

Authorities advise residents to collect mail daily and ask the post office to hold mail delivery when going out of town. Residents should never send cash or coins through the mail and have reordered personal checks mailed to their bank instead of a home address, according to police.

— Brianna Bailey