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You and everyone else have heard of identity theft in the news and probably even know of someone who has been affected by it or had it done to them. But are you doing everything you can not to avoid becoming a victim yourself?

Identity theft is the “fastest growing Internet crime,” according to the Federal Trade Commission. Thefts are using YOUR illegally obtained personal information, criminals steal your good name, credit history, your hard earned money, and precious time as you are left to clean up the mess they have left behind.

There are several things you can do to protect yourself from identity theft. First, shred and destroy any paper you no longer need that includes sensitive and identifying information. Secure the remaining documents behind lock and key, away from roommates, or any workers that may have access to your home. Also, avoid mailing payments from your unsecured home mailbox. What a great place for thieves to find your personal information and checking account information.

Carry only necessary items: never carry your ATM or debit card together with a written PIN – you are asking for trouble. Keep your Social Security card and passport locked away at home whenever you can…unless you plan on fleeing the country right after your trip to the grocery store, you don’t need to carry your passport on you. Protect your PIN when you are entering it into a machine, making sure the numbers can’t be detected by anyone near you.

To double-check that you are the only one using your accounts, closely monitor your bills and statements as they come in. Then, once a year, review your credit reports to make sure they don’t hold any surprises.

You must also be careful on your computer, especially when you are online. Always update software when you are prompted. In addition, be careful when creating passwords. Use letters, numbers, and punctuation if possible. Never use just a word that can be found in a dictionary, or a loved-one’s name. It’s best to use a different password for each online account. Use a mixture of capital and lower case numbers and change them every 6 to 12 months.

When checking your e-mail, do not click a link or open an attachment from unfamiliar sources. Also, be suspicious of any link or attachment from anyone (even trusted friends) if you aren’t expecting it.

If you are careful to protect your personal information in these ways, identity thieves will find it difficult to target you. However, if you do suspect you are a victim of identity theft, immediately contact your creditors and file a report with the police. Then you can begin cleaning up the mess that these “invisible thieves” have created for you.