Toms River Police and the United States Postal Inspection Service are asking residents to remain cautious and vigilant as they investigate complaints of "fraudulent mail holds" that are being placed on addresses in the area.

In a joint statement on Tuesday afternoon, TRPD and USPIS announce they are working together to look into these possible identity thefts.

They said that unauthorized mail holds could mean that your identity has been stolen and the thieves are using it to apply for credit cards in your name.

In most cases though, TRPD said that the Post Office, customer and various credit card companies recognize the fraud before there is a problem.

You're encouraged to monitor the receipt of your mail by picking it up daily from the mailbox or through Informed Delivery® online.

Police said that you should report any suspicious activity, or non-receipt of mail over a couple days to your local post office, by calling 800- ASK-USPS, or reporting to USPS here under “Where is my package?”.

If you discover you are a victim of identity theft, call Toms River Police at 732- 349-0150, or file a report with the department at www.trpolice.org and select “File a Report” on the homepage.

If you discover a fraudulent mail hold was placed on your address, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at www.uspis.gov/report or calling 877-876-2455.

"The Postal Inspection Service and the Toms River Police Department take it seriously when someone uses the mail to commit crimes, including trying to steal peoples’ identity. Using the mail to steal someone’s identity could subject the actor to serious federal or state felony charges and time in prison."

Vin
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You can follow Vin Ebenau on Twitter and Instagram and email news tips to vin.ebenau@townsquaremedia.com.

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