Sparks City Attorney Wes Duncan Encourages Citizens to Protect Themselves from Identity Theft and Fraud by Safeguarding Their Mail

Sparks, NV - City Attorney Duncan is urging citizens to take measures to protect themselves in light of recent arrests regarding large-scale mail theft allegations.

Recently, the Sparks Police Department arrested a man who was charged with a total of 13 felonies related to mail theft, including mail theft, possession of a financial forgery laboratory, possession of credit cards in the names of others without consent, and identity theft. Additionally, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office arrested a man and a woman who were apprehended on multiple charges related to large-scale mail and identity theft, as well as check fraud.

Sparks City Attorney Wes Duncan encourages citizens to be proactive in protecting themselves from identity theft and fraud by limiting the opportunity for thieves to steal. Some recommendations include:

• Not letting mail accumulate and picking up mail daily.
• Tracking mail items you are expecting to be delivered or having them delivered directly to the post office for pick up.
• Obtaining a post office box at a USPS location.
• Not sending or receiving cash.
• Paying your bills via check by hand delivering to the institutions you're paying, when possible or through encrypted bill pay services.
• Dropping off mail directly at your local post office and/or handing it to your local mail carrier.
• Advising your post office when you will be away so they can hold your mail.
• Creating a neighborhood watch for post office boxes in your neighborhoods.

"We will not tolerate thieves in our community and will work vigorously with local law enforcement to deter these crimes," said City Attorney Wes Duncan.

If you suspect you've been a victim of mail theft or if you witness someone stealing mail, contact your Sparks Police Department's non-emergency line 775-353-2231, then call USPS Postal Inspectors at 877-876-2455 (press 3).