The first and most important step for preventing identity theft is keeping a close watch on all of your personal information and your credit report.

Check your credit reports from all three bureaus at least once a year. Once you get your credit report check carefully to see that everything is accurate.

If you find an error, dispute it immediately so you can protect yourself from fraud.

Quite often similar names and similar social security numbers get mixed up, or worse, someone could have stolen your identity.

Another good way of preventing identity theft is don't carry your Social Security card or anything with your Social Security number on it in your wallet.

Keeping your social security number private is a critical part of preventing identity theft.

Also, don't keep your bank card pin number in your wallet because it helps a thief who has stolen your wallet help themselves to your cash at an A.T.M.

In this age of computer hacking, preventing identity theft also applies to Internet.

If you use Internet, make sure all your security software is up to date and be careful of Internet scams.

The United States Bankruptcy Code provides debtor an opportunity to pay back their creditors over a period of time of up to five years. This process is completely supervised by court. Your attorney will ensure that your interests will be protected.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy allows debtor to keep all of their property. However, an interest-free plan for repayment must be developed and approved by court. The debtor begins to make payments within thirty to forty five days after case has begun. Unlike Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, payments are made to trustee who will then pay appropriate creditors. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy prevents creditors from collecting from debtor. The creditors are required by law to follow strictly terms of repayment plan. Your attorney will prepare this payment plan.