Check your statements! Thieves steal credit card information from mailboxes

PITTSBURGH (WITI) — The holidays are over and now it's time to pay all those credit card bills. However, before you do, you'll want to take a second glance at your statements. You could be paying for something you didn't buy.

"In a way, I feel sorry for them. Wouldn't it be easier to just get a job and work – instead of stealing money all time?" asked Timothy Ketling, an identity theft victim.

Thieves made charges on Ketling's Best Buy credit card.

"There were two charges. One in Washington – I hadn't been in Washington and knew they weren't mine," Ketling said.

The suspects had charged high-tech equipment and computers to the card. Ketling called Best Buy to dispute the charges and, then, called local law enforcement.

He learned he wasn't alone.

"They said they were aware that there were numerous people in our development who had problems with credit fraud," explained Ketling.

The local officers said thieves were stealing cards and billing statements from mailboxes.

Among the victims - one of Ketling's closest neighbors.

"She was really upset about it. She said it took her over a year to get things straightened out," Ketling said.

Ketling was lucky. He discovered and resolved his issue quickly. He was not charged for the items in dispute.

His story serves as a reminder - no one is immune to identity theft. But, there's one thing you can do to keep an eye on your credit.

"One thing we always recommend is to check your credit once year to make sure no fraudulent activity has happened," suggested U.S. Postal Inspector Carla Menendez.