Don't be a victim of identity theft. It is a devastating abuse of personal information that can take years to straighten out, victims said.

There are many ways to protect yourself.

The Federal Trade Commission advises that you use as few credit cards as possible, maybe one or two, and always keep track of your purchases, billing cycles, and monthly records. If bank statements and credit card statements aren't showing up, that could mean someone has stolen your identity.

Also, try to pick a card with fraud and privacy protection and don't give out personal information either on the phone or over the Internet, unless you know who you're dealing with and how it will be used.

You should also check your credit reports every year to make sure all the accounts listed are yours.

You are allowed one free credit report each year. Contact the following companies:

Trans Union
800-680-7289
www.transunion.com
To opt out of credit offers write to:
Trans Union Marketing List Opt Out
PO Box 97328
Jackson, MS 39288-7328

Experian
888-397-3742
www.experian.com
To opt out of credit offers, write to:
Experian Consumer Opt-Out
701 Experian Parkway
Allen, TX 75013

Equifax
800-525-6285
www.credit.equifax.com
To opt out of credit offers write to:
Equifax, Inc. Options
PO Box 740123
Atlanta, GA 30374-0123

Other tips

Shred credit card and ATM receipts, as well as credit card offers you do not accept. DON"T JUST THROW THEM AWAY. Shred with a cross-cut or confetti shredder.
Ask your credit card issuer(s) to stop sending those intermittent "convenience checks."
Reduce the number of unsolicited credit card offers you receive by "opting out" of these offers. Call (888) 5-OPT-OUT or (888) 567-8688 to opt out.
Don't put outgoing mail in the mailbox in front of your home unless the mailbox is secure.
Have new boxes of checks sent to your bank/credit union, not your home.
Mail bills to be paid at the Post Office, not in your mail box with the red flag raised or in street corner postal receptacles.
Don't use your Social Security number on your driver's license.

Additional Resources:

FTC identity theft site
Social Security identity theft info
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
Identity Theft Victims Guide