No one wants to be a victim of identity theft. If your personal information is stolen, someone can be using your identity to commit crimes, ruining your credit.

Protect your personal information from being stolen and used against you. Here are a few ways to keep your personal information safe:

• * Shred or destroy documents like bank or credit card statements with your personal information so that identity thieves can not retrieve them from the trash.

• * Don't carry your social security card in your wallet; keep it in a safe place. Make sure you trust anyone you give your social security number to.

• * When creating any type of account passwords, don't use personal information like your birth date, your mother's maiden name or your social security number.

• * Don't open or click on emails from an unrecognized sender, especially if the message requests accessing an online account containing your personal funds. For additional tips on protecting your identity on your computer, visit OnGuardOnline.gov.

Suspicious activity

Monitor your financial accounts and billing statements regularly for suspicious or fraudulent charges. You can also inspect your credit report if you think your credit rating has been compromised. Visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com to request free credit reports.

Changing your address and stealing mail are common ways identity theft occurs. Identity thieves may target your mail in order to steal your bank and credit card statements or other documents containing your personal information. When you change your address online or directly via the USPS, you should receive a validation letter. If you receive this letter in error, you may be a victim of identity theft.

Report Identity Theft

If you suspect identity theft, you should take action immediately by contacting the major consumer credit reporting companies - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion - and alerting them of potential fraudulent activities affecting your credit. Also, contact the financial institution or the company of any accounts that have been affected to begin their resolve fraudulent charges and recover or close your account. Report your identity theft to the police and Federal Trade Commission for proper documentation and to help with the investigation.

For additional tips on avoiding identity theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission website.