I hear cases about identity theft practically all the time. What can I do to protect myself from identity thieves?

Identity theft is happening more and more often. It is important that you know how to protect yourself from it. Here are some steps that you can take to prevent an identity thief from victimizing you:

If your expected monthly bills don't arrive, immediately contact your post office and ask if a fraudulent change of address form was recently submitted

• After each delivery, remove all mail from your mailbox

• Ask your bank to monitor your accounts in order to spot possible suspicious activity.

• In order to ensure that there are no questionable transactions, carefully review your monthly credit card and banking statements. If any transactions look suspicious to you, contact your bank.

• If you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time, ask a trusted neighbor to pick up the mail for you.

• To file a crime report contact, the Federal Trade Commission, the Postal Inspection Service or the local police department. You can also contact the Social Security Administration's Fraud Hotline.

• In order to report the crime and get a "Fraud Alert/Victim Impact' statement placed on your credit file, contact the three major credit bureau fraud departments: Trans Union Credit Bureau, Equifax Credit Bureau and the Experian Information Services. 

• Always tear up credit card receipts, pre-approved credit card applications, bills and other financial information before throwing them away.

• Instead of keeping your Social Security or PIN number in your wallet, try memorizing them, in case you lose your wallet.

• Keep copies of all correspondence related to your case.

• Find out whether the state office of the Department of Motor Vehicles has issued another license in your name. If this is so, ask for a new license number and fill out the DMV's complaint form to trigger a fraud investigation.

• Excess credit cards and extra identification should be removed from your wallet or purse and safely stored.

• When you receive mail or telephone solicitations that give out prize giveaways, avoid giving personal information