Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes. There are many things that can be done to prevent identity theft. One thing is to make sure that you properly discard or get rid of all personal information completely. Use a paper shredder to shred personal documents, cut up old credit cards before discarding them, and/or tear up all pay-stubs or anything with your social security number on it. Always make sure that you do not just simply throw away your personal information without taking one of the steps above. There are many "garbage diggers" out there who go through people's trash trying to find personal info.

Also, contact your homeowners insurance company. Many have the option to add credit identity theft assistance to your policy. In case you are the victim of identity theft you will be covered up to a certain amount that the insurance company offers.

Beware of phishing scams. Phishing can come in many forms, but one of the most common types is an email from a supposed credit card company asking you to verify your information, or risk having your account shut down.

You can add a fraud alert to your credit report to help protect your information. Fraud alerts ask credit grantors to verify your identity through the mail or by phone, to prevent someone from using your information without your knowledge.

Be careful of people watching over your shoulder at an ATM, or in a check out line. This is yet another way people go about gathering your personal information.

If you think that you were the victim of identity theft you should call all three credit agencies as soon as possible. They can issue a fraud alert on your credit report and help stop any damage from being done.

If you get an email from a company asking for verification of info, DO NOT click on the link, go directly to the site as you would save it in your favorite. This will ensure you are not on a fake website.