Common Ways ID Theft Happens:

Identity thieves use a variety of methods to steal your personal information, including:

1. Dumpster Diving. They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it.

2. Skimming. They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.

3. Phishing. They pretend to be financial institutions, companies or government agencies, and send email or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.

4. Hacking. They hack into your email or other online accounts to access your personal information, or into a company’s database to access its records.

5. “Old-Fashioned” Stealing. They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records from their employers, or bribe employees who have access.

To prevent this from happening you will need to follow some of the basic rules to protect yourself, the three D’s.
Deter – Detect – Defend   this is now your mantra.
AVOID THEFT