I have also seen specials that people steal ID's by going through garbage cans. A news reporter went to a some up-scale neighborhood at night, opened up peoples trash cans (on the curb) and found several credit card statements, offers etc. They said within 2-3 days, they would be able to apply for credit or have new cards sent to differnt address etc. and then use these cards for a month before the owner new. One of the fraud investigators explained that 'dumpster divers' are very effective in getting your information without you even knowing.