4. Don't store your vital information (credit card numbers, family information, passwords, etc.) on your personal computer, instead store it on CDs or floppy disks or on a computer that is not connected to Internet.

5. If you use passwords, make sure they are hard-to-guess passwords. You should have passwords that are at least eight characters long - consisting of a mixture of numbers, upper case and lower case letters. Many security experts suggest changing your passwords regularly.

6. Never open emails from people you don't know. Especially, don't open any attachments until they are properly scanned for viruses and spyware.

7. Be aware of phishing - this is where you get an official looking (though fake) email from companies that you may be doing business with - never use a link in these emails to provide personal information. Always open a new browser window and type in your 'own' links you have for these companies or sites. Most secure connections will start with "https://"

8. Regularly check your operating system and download any updates that may contain security patches and fixes for your PC.

9. Use an encryption service if you can. This will also help in protecting your vital data from prying eyes.

10. Always shut down your computer when its not in use - especially if you have a cable Internet connection. And make sure you know who is using your computer. Keep track of family members or friends who have access to your computer.

No doubt there are many more ways to protect yourself against Identity Theft but following and implementing above steps will give you added protection and peace of mind. In same light, don't let your guard down -- always be aware of your surfing habits and information or programs on your computer. Keep a close eye on your PC; any slow down or unorthodox operations should be checked out immediately. Scan your machine regularly, and check out any unauthorized attempts to access your computer. Keep your machine clean.

Believe it or not, a little common sense will go a long way in stopping Identity Theft and keeping your good name safe!

To learn more about Spyware and Adware Click Here:Spyware Removal Guide

Copyright © 2005 Titus Hoskins of www.bizwaremagic.com.

This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

If you open a credit account, ask that a password be used before any inquiries or changes can be made on account. Avoid using easily available information like your mother's maiden name, your birth date, last four digits of your SSN or your phone number - same holds true for pin numbers.

While there is not a whole lot you can do to prevent this, there are things you can do, to protect your credit if it does happen.

Contact fraud departments of each of three major credit bureaus. (Equifax - www.equifax.com - Experian - www.experian.com and Trans Union - www.tuc.com) All of them offer advice on what to do if there has been fraud committed. Tell them to flag your file with a fraud alert, including a statement that creditors should get your permission before opening any new accounts in your name.

If you discover that an identity thief has changed billing address on an existing credit card account, immediately close account, and request credit bureaus for copies of your credit reports. Credit bureaus must give you a free copy of your report if it is inaccurate because of fraud.

Regardless of how thieves got, or used information, report it to police department. That way, if there is a question down line, there will be an official report available.

Identity theft is a serious problem. If you feel that this has happened, immediately take steps outlined above. When someone appropriates your personal information without your knowledge, it's a crime, pure and simple.

While it may cause you problems when trying to straighten out mess, hopefully it will cause perpetrators even bigger problems. Those two Memphis men face millions of dollars in fines and several decades worth of prison time.