Identity theft is a growing crime in the US. If you think about it, that makes sense. After all, you don't even have to meet a person to steal their identity. There is no threat to the thief. It is a safe and surprisingly easy crime.

Identity theft can happen to anyone at any time. There is a pretty good chance that you will be a victim of identity theft at some point in your life. It happens when someone uses your personal information for their own gain. The thief might open a credit card, bank account or utilities in your name. They could use your credit card or checking account to make purchases. They could even have a driver's license with your name and their picture.

It can be as simple as a clerk re-running your credit card number and taking the money from the register. It could be that someone opens a cell phone using your name. A friend or family member could use your credit card or ATM card without you knowing it.

The first thing you can do is to guard your information. Only give out your Social Security number when you are required to by law or when absolutely necessary. Don't carry your card in your wallet. Don't write down your children's numbers in easily accessed locations. Always ask if you can use your driver's license number instead of your SSN.

Don't carry everything you have in your wallet. Don't carry all of your credit cards, your Social Security card, your birth certificate or your passport in your wallet. Make copies of all cards you do carry and have everything written down in your safe deposit bosx. If you lose your wallet or purse, you will be able to quickly call all of your banks and lenders and notify them.

You should memorize all of your PIN numbers. Don't use your phone number, your birthday or anything easily guessed. Don't write down your PIN numbers where they can be found or accessed. If you feel the need to write them down -- in case of emergency -- put them in your safe deposit box at the bank.

You need to go out and buy a shredder. Shred any documents that contain your personal information. Never throw out your bank statements, credit reports, credit card offers, charge receipts, insurance papers or checks and bank statements without shredding first.

You should closely check your bank statements and credit card bills. You should always make sure that you receive all of your bills. If you miss a bill or statement, it could mean that your account address has been changed by a thief. The thief hopes you won't discover it until he or she is through splurging on your account.

With that in mind, you should make sure that your mail is secure. Remove your delivered mail from your mailbox as soon as possible. Do not leave your outgoing mail in your mailbox. You should deposit all bills in a post office mailbox. If you are going to be away from town, ask your post office to hold your mail. It is very easy for someone to simply take your mail from your mailbox.