A routine shoplifting call at Buc-ee's has turned into a major identity theft investigation involving a woman with ties to the U.S. Postal Service.
Amber Michelle Beard, 39, originally from Calera, Alabama, is now facing multiple felony charges after being caught red-handed at the Buc-ee's in Leeds.
On September 22, Leeds police responded to a shoplifting report at the popular Buc-ee's location, where they discovered Beard had been involved in theft. When officers took her into custody, what started as a simple shoplifting case quickly escalated.
A search of her belongings revealed stolen merchandise along with multiple credit and debit cards that didn't belong to her.
But the discovery didn't end there. As authorities dug deeper, they found U.S. mail addressed to numerous people in the Birmingham area.
Beard, who had been employed by the U.S. Postal Service, is now accused of using her position to steal mail, including checks, gift cards, and Alabama driver's licenses. She allegedly opened packages and fraudulently used the contents for her own gain.
Beard is currently being held in Jefferson County Jail with bonds totaling $80,500. She's charged with trafficking in stolen identities, multiple counts of illegal possession of credit and debit cards, and theft of property.
Leeds police are still identifying additional victims, and more charges are expected to follow.
This case serves as a reminder to always stay vigilant, as mail fraud and identity theft can happen in even the most unexpected places.
Protecting yourself from identity theft via mail is crucial in today's world, where thieves can easily steal personal information right out of your mailbox. Here are some essential tips:
Secure Your Mailbox: Use a locked mailbox or consider a P.O. box for sensitive mail. Thieves target easily accessible mailboxes to steal important documents.
Pick Up Mail Promptly: Don't let mail sit in your mailbox for long periods, especially if you're expecting checks, cards, or sensitive information. Retrieve your mail daily.
Hold Mail When Traveling: Use the USPS Hold Mail service if you're going to be away for an extended time. This prevents your mail from piling up and becoming a target.
Shred Sensitive Documents: Shred credit card offers, bank statements, and any documents with personal details before discarding them.
Sign Up for Informed Delivery: The USPS offers a free service that sends you a digital preview of your incoming mail, so you can know exactly what to expect each day.
By taking these steps, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim of mail-related identity theft.