If you have never used an identity protection service you can find a number of them online such as Lifelock, ProtectmyID and Trusted ID. These services have been around for a while and can help monitor your credit and prevent your identity from being stolen. Identity protection services will keep track of the activity on your account and notify you immediately if something has changed on your account. The services use sophisticated software to prevent unauthorized access to your personal and credit information.
It only takes a few minutes to sign up with an identity protection service. You then have access to your account around the clock so you can monitor your account activity from your end. This is a significant improvement over finding out long after the fact that your account has been unlawfully accessed. By then it is usually too late and then you are left to try and pick up the pieces.
Most identity protection services provide first rate support and are endorsed by the Better Business Bureau, including the ones mentioned in this article. For your own piece of mind you can also compare the services online to choose the one that is appropriate for your needs.
In addition to using an identity protection service, you must also practice other preventative measures for protecting your identity. This includes shredding documents with sensitive information before placing them in the trash, limiting the amount of information you reveal online, and protecting your browser and your PC from unauthorized access.