For those in apartment buildings or duplexes a rural locking mailbox can sometimes seem like a burden. You have to have your key accessible to unlock your mailbox simply to receive junk mail and local advertisements.

There are several steps you can take on an ongoing basis as protection against identity theft.

They are:

* Carrying with you (in your wallet, etc.) only those credit and other identifying cards you will actually need. Never carry your social security card unless you are heading to a place where you will actually have to have it.