Just heard a teaser for a news program this morning, warning that it's Identity Theft Season. You are more likely to be a victim from having a purse or wallet stolen, rather than online shopping.
As the stores get crowded, and people are busy and distracted, thieves have seized on the season as the time of year when people are most vulnerable, and carrying lots of cash and/or credit cards. It's a creeps' busy time of year, also.
It's not crazy to be a little paranoid. See if there's anything you can do to make yourself a less perfect victim. Don't keep 'all of your eggs in one basket'. Be careful about what personal information you put in your trash and leave out on the street for the taking. Many of you may be surprised to see your social security numbers printed on your paycheck stubs. (I'm going to invest in a shredder this week.)
As the economy is becoming more electronic, identity theft has become a growth industry. I know at least 10% of the people where I work have been victims. None of them have happy stories about their ordeal.
If you suspect you may have become a victim of ID theft, it's important to take the proper steps. One of the most important things to do is file a fraud alert with one of the credit reporting agencies.
More information here-
I posted this thread as a cautionary tale, please, be careful, be safe, and keep pickin'.