Are you a victim of identity fraud? Discover 21 ways to help you protect yourself from becoming the next victim.

Identity theft can happen to anyone, and incidents of this crime are escalating wildly. 9.3 million Americans were victims of identity fraud in 2004 alone. Identity thieves use a variety of methods to steal Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, credit card numbers, ATM cards, telephone calling cards, and other information such as dates of birth. The criminals use this information to impersonate their victims, spending as much money as they can as quickly as possible before moving on to the next victim.

Identity theft help and prevention

You cannot truly prevent identity theft, however you can reduce the risk of fraud by following these tips:

1. Carry only the credit cards you plan on using, and don't carry your social card, birth certificate or passport in your wallet or purse. This will minimize the amount of information an identity thief can steal.

2. Remove your name from the three major credit reporting bureaus' (Equifax, Experian and Trans Union) marketing lists. This will reduce the number of pre-approved credit offers you receive through the mail. If thrown in the trash, this information can be used to order credit cards using your identity.

3. Join the Direct Marketing Association Mail Preference Service (http://www.dmaconsumers.org/offmailinglist.html) and the Telephone Preference Service (http://www.dmaconsumers.org/offtelephonelist.html). This will add your name to computerized deletion lists used by nationwide marketers.

4. Remove your name and address from telephone books and reverse directories.

5. Install a locked mailbox or use a post office box to reduce mail theft.

6. When ordering new checks, arrange to pick them up at your bank rather than having them mailed to your home address.

7. Pay your bills with an electronic bill payment service rather than writing and mailing checks.

8. When paying bills by check, do not put them in your home mailbox for the letter carrier to pick up. Mail all checks and sensitive mail at the post office.

9. Minimize the number of credit cards you actively use. Carry only what you absolutely need in your wallet or purse. If you have credit cards you don't use or need, cancel them and destroy the cards.

10. Photocopy all of your credit cards and maintain a list of all account numbers, expiration dates and telephone numbers of fraud and customer service departments. Keep this information in a secure place. Record the information for your bank accounts in the same manner.

11. Never give your credit card number or personal information over the telephone. The only exception would be if you know the person or business on the other end of the line.

12. Order credit reports once a year to check for inaccuracies and fraudulent use of your accounts.

13. Keep credit card and ATM receipts and take them home with you. Verify them against your statements, then file them in a secure place or shred them.

14. Keep an eye on your mail when expecting a new or reissued credit card. Contact the issuer if the card doesn't arrive.

15. When creating PINs, do not use names of people or pets, dates of birth, the last four digits of your social security number, consecutive numbers, or anything else that could be easily guessed by identity thieves.

16. As the financial institution to add extra security protection to your accounts. Most will allow you to add an additional code (a word or number) required to access your account. Don't use your mother's maiden name or other easily obtained information.

17. Memorize your passwords, and don't write them on anything you carry in your wallet or purse.

18. Protect your social security number. Do not release it when it's not necessary to do so. Your social security number is the key to your bank and credit accounts and is a primary target of identity thieves.

19. Never have your social security number printed on your checks.

20. Order your Social Security Earnings and Benefits Statement (http://www.ssa.gov/mystatement/) once a year and review it for fraud.

21. Shred all pre-approved credit card offers before throwing them away. Identity thieves can use this information to have credit cards issued in your name and mailed to their address. Shred all credit card receipts and other sensitive information as well.