But if you’re just throwing those offers in the trash can, you could be putting yourself at risk for identity theft. Any document that contains your personal or financial information should be shredded before disposal. This is particularly true when it comes to credit offers, since all an identity thief has to do is fill out the offer, complete with his address, in order to obtain credit in your name.

Since there has been an increase in these offers, you might be tempted to apply for a new credit card. But be wary: These offers can seem enticing because they come with a 0 percent introductory rate. But you should be aware that there are usually hidden fees and much higher interest rates that follow that introductory period.

You should also be aware that each time you apply for a credit card, your credit score takes a hit, and you might not want to risk this if you’re applying for a mortgage or other significant loan.

However, if you already have a number of cards, applying for a new one won’t hurt you. Having several credit cards can actually help you, if you use them wisely. You can use a new card to transfer the balance of an older card with a higher interest rate, then pay it off during the introductory period.

So consider all of the above when you reach in your mailbox and find all those offers. The offers can be used for good – or for evil. It’s all up to you.

The two stole mail from home mailboxes, U.S. Post Office drop boxes and cars and may have committed identity theft against 700 people or more, according to Visalia police.

The chain of events leading to their arrests is as follows:

November 12—Leon was arrested on charges of suspicion of identity theft after Visalia police searched her home. She had also been arrested on charges of suspicion of stolen property and being under the influence of a controlled substance. Leon posted bail and was released.

November 13—Police found stolen mail in two hotel rooms rented by Leon and Zamora using stolen identity information. Neither mother nor son were in the rooms, but Marlene Hernandez and Felix Montmayor were, and police arrested them both on charges of suspicion of identity theft.

November 14—Zamora, who was being sought on suspicion of identity theft and possession of stolen property, was pulled over for a vehicle code violation and arrested. Police found stolen mail and identifying information for more than 30 people in his car.

Later than same day—Police searched two rooms rented by Leon and Zamora at a local Days Inn. They found Leon at the room and arrested her. They also found more stolen mail and checks.

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