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The Tiniest: 11109 (map) A two-block area across the East River from Manhattan, this ZIP code in Long Island City is among the smallest in the country at a tenth of one square mile. It boasts 1,400 people in that area, though, pushing its residents-per-square mile rate to the top of the list, according to Esri.

It is typical for 10-20 new ZIP codes to be created each year - many of which are for military uses.

With a name and address, a thief can change your address via U.S. Postal Service and redirect mail to their address of choice, Velasquez says. With access to your financial mail, the thief may intercept bank statements and credit card offers or bills, then order new checks and credit cards.

If you get in touch with your local post office ask them what distribution center will be handling the package. Since the actual zip code is not too far off from the incorrect one it may end up a the same center. If so let USPS know that you will pick up there rather than send for home delivery.

Or worse, your ZIP code may find its way to scammers who will couple it with other bits of personal data to steal your identity. Often you have to provide a ZIP code when you use a credit card at an untended machine, such as a gasoline pump.

Why Stores Want Your Zip Code Stores want your ZIP code because, combined with your name from your credit card, they can use it to find out other information about you from commercial databases, like your full mailing address. They may even sell the information to data brokers, who sell it to other marketers.

Almost 25% of all mailpieces have something wrong with the address -- for instance, a missing apartment number or a wrong ZIP Code. Can some of those mailpieces get delivered, in spite of the incorrect address? Yes.