Prevention is the best medicine for "Identity Theft".  Here are some helpful tips on avoiding Identify Theft:

• Protect your mail
• Secure your financial statements in your home
• Shred old bank statements, financial records, credit-card receipts, tax documents and anything else that could be used to impersonate you.  That includes all credit card offers containing your personal information
• Protect your Social Security Number - avoid giving it out whenever possible
• Keep an eye on bank and credit card activity for any suspicious items that may be the tip-off that your ID has been stolen
• Be careful when shopping on-line, always use reputable merchants with a significant history 

However, if your credit identity has been stolen or compromised you'll want to report it as quickly as possible to the Police and the credit agencies.  Here are the phone numbers for the major credit reporting companies:

• Equifax      (800) 525-6285
• Experian    (888) 397-3742
• TransUnion (800) 680-7289

Here are some helpful links for further information on identity theft: