The Identity Theft Resource Center recommends fraud alert monitoring services as a proactive way to protect yourself from this crime.  Jay Foley of ITRC specifically mentioned Debix and Trusted ID.  Both cost close to $12 a month and require that you first place a “fraud alert” on your credit reports. 

Other FREE steps you can take to minimize the chances of becoming a victim:

Register your phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry.

Stop pre-preapproved credit card offers by submitting your information here.  You will be asked to include personal information, but it’s ok: this service collects information for the three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion).

Cut down on the other types of junk mail by signing up for the Direct Marketing Association Mail Preference Service.

You’re entitled to free annual credit reports by all three credit reporting agencies.  But don’t request all three all at once.  Stagger them.  Obtain one, then order one from another credit reporting agency four months later, then another from the last credit reporting agency after that.