Careless recycling causes identity theft concerns

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Andrew Ignash
  • 2nd Air Postal Squadron
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) --  Postal officials in Europe are asking people to read before they recycle to reduce the threat of identity theft.

During the past few years, U.S. Air Forces in Europe postmasters have had great success combating litter problems with post office recycling bins; however, now there is a concern that these same recycling bins are allowing access to personal identifying information.

"I have seen people throw away bundles of unopened mail after they return from deployment," said Steve Waller, 2nd Air Postal Squadron official mail manager. “That mail can contain bank information, credit card applications, and all sorts of details that you don’t want people to know.”

Identity theft is a fast-growing crime in the United States that has led to increased attention from financial institutions, law enforcement officials and consumers. The problem is that mail inherently contains personal information, and some Airmen are not as careful as they should be when they discard their mail.

“Dumpster diving won’t stop, so individuals should remember they are the first line of defense, and it is their responsibility to properly dispose of items containing personal information,” Mr. Waller said.

One way to ensure personal information is not easily obtained is to open and screen mail at home. People should use a crosscut shredder. Anything with a person’s identifier should be shredded before being thrown away.

"We would like to remind people that they should not put private information in any public receptacle,” said Master Sgt. Tracy Jones, the squadron’s postal operations superintendent.

Although identity theft may seem like a minor crime, a victim may have out-of-pocket financial losses and additional costs associated with trying to restore his or her economic reputation.

“It is important that we all work together to ensure identity theft doesn’t occur,” Mr. Waller said. “Use your best common sense to ensure that you don’t become a victim.”

For more information on identity theft, Airmen can contact officials at the local security forces office. (Courtesy of USAFE News Service)