How to avoid identity theft

Phishing Scams
Scrutinize return e-mail addresses. Look for sloppiness, such as misspellings and poor grammar, on bogus Web sites. Try to verify a Web site by calling the company. If there's no phone number, that's a bad sign. Collect information about the site and report it to state and federal authorities. The Federal Trade Commission can be reached at 877-438-4338 or at:
www.consumer.gov/idtheft.
More information HERE.

Sources: Yankee Group, Federal Trade Commission